She was an active lady who used to drive and go about town, traveling widely enjoying life and all its delights of sight, sound and taste, enjoying her retirement from working in the office, even in her seventieth decade. Then she had a fall and broke her hip. Now she's 80 years old, living in an old folks' home, mostly bed-ridden, needing help to get up and sit down and only walking very slowly with the walker.
She has 3 children: a son and a daughter who're married with children who have their own lives and families to take care of and who decided it's best for mother to stay in the nursing home because she was all alone in the house and if she fell again, no one would be there. There is a third and youngest son, who had worked in the seas and had not married, but because of a motorbike accident, now has only one leg and walks on crutches, and lives in a senior citizens' home here in KL.
He would ride his motorcyle all the way from KL to Ipoh several times a year to visit his mother. "She was a very beautiful lady," he told us showing us an old photo of hers proudly. Once she even danced with our Datuk Lum, the president of the NACSCOM, during her senior citizens club days.
But since his last visit early this year during the Chinese New Year holidays, he had not been able to make another trip because of his own ailments. So we went yesterday.
The Home was like a scene from a horror movie about old sick people lying around in various catatonic states. A single-storey bungalow with 4 rooms filled with beds and reclining chairs everywhere, with silent immobile old men and women. One old woman who was sitting in a rattan chair outside in the compound near the door began to shout at us, scolding us in a Chinese dialect which we couldn't understand with great anger and hatred. She continued railing to the air after we moved to another part and sat at a table to talk.
There was no nurse or caretaker around at the time we visited, about 2.30 pm after lunch. There are 5 maids who care for the 70 over residents and we saw some lying resting on mattresses on the floor between the beds. There was no talking, no music, no sound, except for the voice of the woman who had begun to rail. Three old folks were playing mahjong at the only other table next to us in the compound.
Sally seemed to be the only one conscious, alert, and alive, but physically trapped there: she could see and hear and speak good English to us. "What to do?" she smiled bitterly. "It's all fated." Her son and she agreed that it must be punishment for her having enjoyed her life so much in the past. But when we prayed for her before we left, our hands holding her, she had tears in her eyes and said "Thank you" several times. "Look to God, call out to him. You are not alone. It's not all wasted."
Is this what life is? To be born, work and suffer, steal as much enjoyment as we can, and then wait to die?
As Moses wrote in Psalm 90:
9 All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.
10 The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of your anger?
For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13 Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendour to their children.
17 May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
O Lord, be with Sally, and also her son here. Let them see and know You and Your glory and Your love for them. Let them come to know Your peace and Your joy.
For "... this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Until Christ is Formed in You
I know God, or rather am known by Him; I have been redeemed by Him, I am His child, and also an heir! (Galatians 4) What can be more mind-blowing than these thoughts?
And what does God require of His child? He wants me to become like Him: He wants to form Christ in me.
And how does He want me to live?
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1,2)
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:8-14)
And what does God require of His child? He wants me to become like Him: He wants to form Christ in me.
And how does He want me to live?
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1,2)
Love, for the Day is Near
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet,"a]"> and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:8-14)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Another dream and message
I dreamt I was at a camp somewhere like the one in Harvest Haven, Gopeng. It was the last day and people were packing to go home. But I was carrying a child, walking around the grounds outside, and enjoying the child. When I finally went to pack up, I found my wallet all cleaned out: not a single note, coin or card remaining. Then, the regret came over me: why oh why was I so careless, why did I leave my wallet in the handbag lying there just for someone to pick up? How was I to get home without a card or cash to fill up petrol in the car? And oh, the inconvenience of having to make the police reports and apply for new IC and other cards.
David had driven off and I was talking with Chin Hoe about how I should tell the caretaker of the camp and call all the staff to investigate the theft. Mercifully, it was then that I woke up: it was 7.30 am and it was a dream! Oh, what a relief I felt!
But then I knew there was a message for me: Beware, be careful, lest you lose all that is dear and valuable to you. A little carelessness and all may be lost. "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." Proverbs 6:10,11
We have been listening in church to John Piper (DVD) teaching us that we must Fight for Joy or faith which are synonymous: it's a struggle, a war, a fight that is hard. We must be alert and always vigilant, with enemies without and within. The goal is to finish well, to fight the good fight, to finish the race, to keep the faith, not to lose that first love and grow cold, but to stay HOT, HOT, HOT!
And I have been memorising the book of James, after coming back from the church camp in Gracehill Lodge, Bukit Tinggi, and I've finished Chapter 1. It tells me to not merely listen to the word and so deceive myself, but to do it, to look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continue to do this, not forgetting what I have heard, but doing it. It tells me to humbly accept the word planted in me which can save me. Otherwise, I will be deceiving myself and my religion will be worthless.
Father God, thank you for speaking to me through your word and through the dream. Help me to awaken and renew my commitment and zeal for you. Forgive me my laziness and carelessness, and forgive me the sins of my tongue and my mind. Please forgive my family too, and my church, for our lukewarmness or coldness, and for sinning against one another and against you with our tongues and with our deeds and omissions. Father, please awaken us all to love you and to seek you with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength, to be zealous for you, to burn for you, or else we will die in our self-deception and worthless religion.
In Jesus' name, I do pray and ask all these and more.
David had driven off and I was talking with Chin Hoe about how I should tell the caretaker of the camp and call all the staff to investigate the theft. Mercifully, it was then that I woke up: it was 7.30 am and it was a dream! Oh, what a relief I felt!
But then I knew there was a message for me: Beware, be careful, lest you lose all that is dear and valuable to you. A little carelessness and all may be lost. "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." Proverbs 6:10,11
We have been listening in church to John Piper (DVD) teaching us that we must Fight for Joy or faith which are synonymous: it's a struggle, a war, a fight that is hard. We must be alert and always vigilant, with enemies without and within. The goal is to finish well, to fight the good fight, to finish the race, to keep the faith, not to lose that first love and grow cold, but to stay HOT, HOT, HOT!
And I have been memorising the book of James, after coming back from the church camp in Gracehill Lodge, Bukit Tinggi, and I've finished Chapter 1. It tells me to not merely listen to the word and so deceive myself, but to do it, to look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continue to do this, not forgetting what I have heard, but doing it. It tells me to humbly accept the word planted in me which can save me. Otherwise, I will be deceiving myself and my religion will be worthless.
Father God, thank you for speaking to me through your word and through the dream. Help me to awaken and renew my commitment and zeal for you. Forgive me my laziness and carelessness, and forgive me the sins of my tongue and my mind. Please forgive my family too, and my church, for our lukewarmness or coldness, and for sinning against one another and against you with our tongues and with our deeds and omissions. Father, please awaken us all to love you and to seek you with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength, to be zealous for you, to burn for you, or else we will die in our self-deception and worthless religion.
In Jesus' name, I do pray and ask all these and more.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Psalms 99,100,101
Know that the LORD is God,
it is He who made us, and we are His;
we are the sheep of His people, the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3
I know: I belong to God, firstly, because He made me, and secondly, because He has redeemed me by the precious blood of His Son. I know that He is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:5)
But the Bible also tells me that He is holy, He is exalted over all the nations, He is worthy to be worshiped. (Psalm 99)
So Lord, help me to:
sing of Your love and justice,
sing praise to You,
be careful to lead a blameless life,
walk in my house with blameless heart,
set before my eyes no vile thing,
have nothing to do with evil,
please and honour You in all that I say and do and think,
O gracious loving God, help me do all these things!
Soli Deo gloria!
it is He who made us, and we are His;
we are the sheep of His people, the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3
I know: I belong to God, firstly, because He made me, and secondly, because He has redeemed me by the precious blood of His Son. I know that He is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:5)
But the Bible also tells me that He is holy, He is exalted over all the nations, He is worthy to be worshiped. (Psalm 99)
So Lord, help me to:
sing of Your love and justice,
sing praise to You,
be careful to lead a blameless life,
walk in my house with blameless heart,
set before my eyes no vile thing,
have nothing to do with evil,
please and honour You in all that I say and do and think,
O gracious loving God, help me do all these things!
Soli Deo gloria!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Peace
To fear the LORD is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech. Proverbs 8:13
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:18
"There is no peace," says the LORD, "for the wicked." Isaiah 48:22
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech. Proverbs 8:13
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:18
"There is no peace," says the LORD, "for the wicked." Isaiah 48:22
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
He humbles those who dwell on high,
he lays the lofty city low;
he levels it to the ground
and casts it down to the dust.
Feet trample it down—
the feet of the oppressed,
the footsteps of the poor.
The path of the righteous is level;
O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
Though grace is shown to the wicked,
they do not learn righteousness;
even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil
and regard not the majesty of the LORD.
O LORD, your hand is lifted high,
but they do not see it.
Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame;
let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.
LORD, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.
Isaiah 26:3-12
Thursday, June 04, 2009
El Roi: Redeemer, Saviour, Friend
The Israelites secretly did things against the Lord their God that were not right. 2 Kings 17:9
And so do I.
You are El Roi, the God who sees, the God who knows all things. How can we hide from You?
They did wicked things that provoked the Lord to anger. 2 Kings 17:11
So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from His presence... 2 Kings 17:18
You are the Holy One, the God who "art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity" Habakkuk 1:13 KJV
So I pray, with the words of King David: "Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalm 51: 11,12
And I will sing this song:
And so do I.
You are El Roi, the God who sees, the God who knows all things. How can we hide from You?
They did wicked things that provoked the Lord to anger. 2 Kings 17:11
So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from His presence... 2 Kings 17:18
You are the Holy One, the God who "art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity" Habakkuk 1:13 KJV
So I pray, with the words of King David: "Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalm 51: 11,12
And I will sing this song:
I know You had me on your mind
When You climbed up on that hill
For You saw me with eternal eyes
While I was yet in sin
Redeemer Savior Friend
VERSE 2:
Every stripe upon Your battered back
Every thorn that pierced Your brow
Every nail drove deep through guiltless hands
Said that Your love knows no end
Redeemer Savior Friend
CHORUS:
Redeemer, redeem my heart again
Savior, come and shelter me from sin
You're familiar with my weakness
Devoted to the end
Redeemer Savior Friend
VERSE 3:
So the grace you poured out on my life
Will return to You in praise
I'll gladly lay down all my crowns
For the name by which I'm saved
Redeemer Savior Friend ©1999 Integrity's Hosanna! Music / Integrity's Praise!
Words and Music by Darrell Evans and Chris Springer
O Lord, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let me live this life for You and for Your eyes, to please You, that when You look at me, You will smile and You will joy over me, Your creation and redeemed child.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Green pastures
People are leaving this country, even more so now than before it seems. Young people who go abroad to study will, if they have a chance, usually choose to stay and work in that foreign land. Professionals, business people, the wealthy, those able to, will fly for a better quality life, for the sake of their children's education or future, for a nice retirement home.
We know people who have gone, people who are going, and people who are calling us to go, go, go, before it's too late.
Who, in their right mind, would want to stay in this hot, dirty, messy place with goons for police and politicians, and civil servants? The whole country seems to be unraveling before our eyes, and things seem to be getting from bad to worse daily. It's not just the quality of life, it's the insecurity, hardships and perils of just living here.
So many are going Down Under, but we know one lady who's left there and come here and to poor hot, messy Asian countries to serve. Yes, it was lovely in Melbourne, Perth, with beautiful weather and parks, and order and courtesy in society (people queuing up for buses and trains which run on time). Yes, it would be lovely to stay there and enjoy life, but then life for this one is not the pursuit of happiness or enjoyment as most see it. Life is to serve and give and die for others most in need.
So what am I here for? I was born in this country and I grew up here. In this country, in my youth, O joy inexpressible, I found God (or, to be more accurate, He found me) and came to know Him as my Loving Eternal Heavenly Father. Since then, He has been with me and has been leading me all the way: to study in the local university, to work, to marriage and motherhood, to service in the local church and community. It doesn't matter where I am physically now as long as He is there with me. I would not exchange this life with and in Him for a life of luxury and comfort and greener pastures anywhere without Him.
As Paul said to the Athenians in Acts 17:24"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'
So here I am in Malaysia where God has put me for the time being. He has a purpose for me here: may His purpose be fulfilled to the glory of His name. I know that my real home is not here or in any other country on this earth: it is in Heaven with Him, my Everlasting Father and Gracious Saviour and Lord and the Eternal Spirit.
We know people who have gone, people who are going, and people who are calling us to go, go, go, before it's too late.
Who, in their right mind, would want to stay in this hot, dirty, messy place with goons for police and politicians, and civil servants? The whole country seems to be unraveling before our eyes, and things seem to be getting from bad to worse daily. It's not just the quality of life, it's the insecurity, hardships and perils of just living here.
So many are going Down Under, but we know one lady who's left there and come here and to poor hot, messy Asian countries to serve. Yes, it was lovely in Melbourne, Perth, with beautiful weather and parks, and order and courtesy in society (people queuing up for buses and trains which run on time). Yes, it would be lovely to stay there and enjoy life, but then life for this one is not the pursuit of happiness or enjoyment as most see it. Life is to serve and give and die for others most in need.
So what am I here for? I was born in this country and I grew up here. In this country, in my youth, O joy inexpressible, I found God (or, to be more accurate, He found me) and came to know Him as my Loving Eternal Heavenly Father. Since then, He has been with me and has been leading me all the way: to study in the local university, to work, to marriage and motherhood, to service in the local church and community. It doesn't matter where I am physically now as long as He is there with me. I would not exchange this life with and in Him for a life of luxury and comfort and greener pastures anywhere without Him.
As Paul said to the Athenians in Acts 17:24"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'
So here I am in Malaysia where God has put me for the time being. He has a purpose for me here: may His purpose be fulfilled to the glory of His name. I know that my real home is not here or in any other country on this earth: it is in Heaven with Him, my Everlasting Father and Gracious Saviour and Lord and the Eternal Spirit.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 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 your staff,
they comfort me.
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Beware Adultery
Whom do I love: the world or the Father? As the Apostle John wrote, "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything is the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17
Can a person love both, like the old song that goes: "Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool, loving both of you is breaking all the rules"? I used to think that it was possible to be in love with 2 persons, like the singer sang, and like most people in the world. Now I see the wisdom of Jesus' words: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:2-4 I agree with Anthony Loke that it is not possible to harbour two loves within our hearts.
That's why, I guess, a two-timing lover or an adulterous partner is in such a conflicted state: knowing that he or she ought to be faithful and loving to one and yet actually desiring another and hating the bond of fidelity and the one to whom it is owed.
Proverbs 5:1-23 warn of the peril of adultery, the horrible end that ensues after the delicious taste of forbidden fruit. But it is not just physical and human adultery that we need to beware of; it is actually spiritual adultery that is so closely entwined in the former and that is so much more prevalent in innumerable other forms.
Isaiah 1:21 - See how the faithful city
has become a harlot!
She once was full of justice;
righteousness used to dwell in her—
but now murderers!
Ezekiel 6:9 - Then in the nations where they have been carried captive, those who escape will remember me—how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts, which have turned away from me, and by their eyes, which have lusted after their idols. They will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their detestable practices.
Mark 8:38 - If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
James 4:4 - You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
So, whom do I really love? You know my heart, O Lord, that I am sinful and adulterous. O help me repent, and return to my first love for You. As You have warned in Revelation 2:3-5 - You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Jesus, be the Centre
Be my song, be my strength
Be my all in all.
Can a person love both, like the old song that goes: "Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool, loving both of you is breaking all the rules"? I used to think that it was possible to be in love with 2 persons, like the singer sang, and like most people in the world. Now I see the wisdom of Jesus' words: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Matthew 6:2-4 I agree with Anthony Loke that it is not possible to harbour two loves within our hearts.
That's why, I guess, a two-timing lover or an adulterous partner is in such a conflicted state: knowing that he or she ought to be faithful and loving to one and yet actually desiring another and hating the bond of fidelity and the one to whom it is owed.
Proverbs 5:1-23 warn of the peril of adultery, the horrible end that ensues after the delicious taste of forbidden fruit. But it is not just physical and human adultery that we need to beware of; it is actually spiritual adultery that is so closely entwined in the former and that is so much more prevalent in innumerable other forms.
Isaiah 1:21 - See how the faithful city
has become a harlot!
She once was full of justice;
righteousness used to dwell in her—
but now murderers!
Ezekiel 6:9 - Then in the nations where they have been carried captive, those who escape will remember me—how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts, which have turned away from me, and by their eyes, which have lusted after their idols. They will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their detestable practices.
Mark 8:38 - If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
James 4:4 - You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
So, whom do I really love? You know my heart, O Lord, that I am sinful and adulterous. O help me repent, and return to my first love for You. As You have warned in Revelation 2:3-5 - You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Jesus, be the Centre
Be my song, be my strength
Be my all in all.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Physical v spiritual training
Whew! It's been almost a week since I wrote. I've been exercising daily except for Sunday: walking up the hill in Sek 4 Wangsa Maju or swimming in the morning, all with Fiona B. Yesterday, we walked there again in the evening after the rains in the afternoon, and it was cool and lovely weather to walk in, for a change. I'm glad for her companionship and find that it's easier to keep fit with a partner.
As for meditating and writing here, that has been a harder thing to keep at. Hmmm, physical discipline seems to be easier to maintain than spiritual discipline. But as Paul said in 1 Timothy 4:7-9: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
So I've got to try harder here, with God's help.
As for meditating and writing here, that has been a harder thing to keep at. Hmmm, physical discipline seems to be easier to maintain than spiritual discipline. But as Paul said in 1 Timothy 4:7-9: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
So I've got to try harder here, with God's help.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Love and faithfulness in my heart
I haven't done my run yet: this morning, we had breakfast of oats and fruit, Fiona, D n me, and conversation.
The word to me today is: Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil. (Proverbs 3:3,7)
Last night, Fiona and I had a great time at the Sri Semarak Reading Room. She had been there only once for the first session in February, and those children who had met her had been asking for her. There were more than 20 children, eager, lively and happy to be there. Fiona read aloud 2 books, but only some listened to it all. A few are too young and all have short attention spans, and they all still need to learn the discipline of staying still and quiet to listen. But we see signs of growth in learning to love books and reading. They have been allowed to borrow one book back each and have so far been good in taking care of the books. We have to train the prefects/librarians and give them some responsibilites, and enforce the rules in a stricter manner. The kids: they grow on you.
The word to me today is: Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil. (Proverbs 3:3,7)
Last night, Fiona and I had a great time at the Sri Semarak Reading Room. She had been there only once for the first session in February, and those children who had met her had been asking for her. There were more than 20 children, eager, lively and happy to be there. Fiona read aloud 2 books, but only some listened to it all. A few are too young and all have short attention spans, and they all still need to learn the discipline of staying still and quiet to listen. But we see signs of growth in learning to love books and reading. They have been allowed to borrow one book back each and have so far been good in taking care of the books. We have to train the prefects/librarians and give them some responsibilites, and enforce the rules in a stricter manner. The kids: they grow on you.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Lord, give me wisdom or I shall die!
Another 20 mins today!
It is the Lord who gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. I should accept Your words, store up Your commands within me, turn my ear to wisdom and apply my heart to understanding. I should be calling out for insight and crying aloud for understanding, looking for it as for silver and searching for it as for hidden treasure. Then I will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Provers 2:1-6)
For the truth is, You know, O Lord, how foolish I am, and how ignorant, and how far short I have fallen from Your glory. I am poor and wretched, blind and lost, unless You come and shine Your light into my heart, and lead me in Your way. So, here I am, crying out to You: Lord, give me wisdom lest I perish in my foolishness! Give me wisdom or I shall die!
Yesterday, Fiona B came back from Australia to stay for a while. Thank You, Lord, for giving her a blessed time there, and for leading her in a new project. And last night, Elliot and I took the train to a JPS meeting to plan for a debate in June. And D had a happy time at the last day of the Big Bad Book Sale in PJ: so we've got another pile of new books to enjoy.
It is the Lord who gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. I should accept Your words, store up Your commands within me, turn my ear to wisdom and apply my heart to understanding. I should be calling out for insight and crying aloud for understanding, looking for it as for silver and searching for it as for hidden treasure. Then I will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Provers 2:1-6)
For the truth is, You know, O Lord, how foolish I am, and how ignorant, and how far short I have fallen from Your glory. I am poor and wretched, blind and lost, unless You come and shine Your light into my heart, and lead me in Your way. So, here I am, crying out to You: Lord, give me wisdom lest I perish in my foolishness! Give me wisdom or I shall die!
Yesterday, Fiona B came back from Australia to stay for a while. Thank You, Lord, for giving her a blessed time there, and for leading her in a new project. And last night, Elliot and I took the train to a JPS meeting to plan for a debate in June. And D had a happy time at the last day of the Big Bad Book Sale in PJ: so we've got another pile of new books to enjoy.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord
Good morning!
It's Monday, and I've done 20 minutes on the treadmill, and had my Daily Bread. Ok, yesterday was Sunday, and I didn't do all that: we had to leave the house for church by 8.30. Sunday can be an exception, a day of rest!
I'm very happy that the readings (Asian Reflections) are from the book of Proverbs starting yesterday. "At the heart of wisdom is the desire to understand the world and how to live in it, and how to make the best of our short time here. Wisdom is therefore not just accumulated knowledge but also practical guidelines and useful advice." (Anthony Loke)
King Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs for:
attaining wisdom and discipline;
understanding words of insight;
acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young,
adding to the learning of the wise, and giving guidance to the discerning. (1:1-5)
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (1:7)
Saturday night, the Tan family celebrated the matriarch's 80th birthday with a grand dinner: 11 tables, about 100 over people comprising mostly her siblings and other relatives. She has 6 children (4 married sons and 2 unmarried daughters) and 9 grandchildren. It was a time of much thanksgiving for the Lord's grace and mercy, for keeping PorPor so well, physically and spiritually till now. She still cooks every day, every meal, and caters dinner on weekdays for her 2 sons' families! Her younger sisters are not as strong as her. It's her simple faith in the Lord, and her love for her husband (while he was alive) and family, and her keeping active in mind and body, daily thinking up what dishes to cook for her loved ones and numerous invited guests. It's her fear of the Lord that keeps her wise and healthy and strong.
O that I may age as gracefully as she has, to be beautiful within and without, to be strong to the end of my days, actively loving, serving, doing good works for the Lord. It begins with the fear of the Lord. On Mother's Day, Pastor's sermon was from Proverbs 31. May that standard be my aim: to be a virtuous woman, a wife of noble character, a woman who fears the Lord. O Lord, I cannot attain it! Only You can help me to put away foolishness and to pursue wisdom and virtue, by Your grace and mercy.
It's Monday, and I've done 20 minutes on the treadmill, and had my Daily Bread. Ok, yesterday was Sunday, and I didn't do all that: we had to leave the house for church by 8.30. Sunday can be an exception, a day of rest!
I'm very happy that the readings (Asian Reflections) are from the book of Proverbs starting yesterday. "At the heart of wisdom is the desire to understand the world and how to live in it, and how to make the best of our short time here. Wisdom is therefore not just accumulated knowledge but also practical guidelines and useful advice." (Anthony Loke)
King Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs for:
attaining wisdom and discipline;
understanding words of insight;
acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young,
adding to the learning of the wise, and giving guidance to the discerning. (1:1-5)
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (1:7)
Saturday night, the Tan family celebrated the matriarch's 80th birthday with a grand dinner: 11 tables, about 100 over people comprising mostly her siblings and other relatives. She has 6 children (4 married sons and 2 unmarried daughters) and 9 grandchildren. It was a time of much thanksgiving for the Lord's grace and mercy, for keeping PorPor so well, physically and spiritually till now. She still cooks every day, every meal, and caters dinner on weekdays for her 2 sons' families! Her younger sisters are not as strong as her. It's her simple faith in the Lord, and her love for her husband (while he was alive) and family, and her keeping active in mind and body, daily thinking up what dishes to cook for her loved ones and numerous invited guests. It's her fear of the Lord that keeps her wise and healthy and strong.
O that I may age as gracefully as she has, to be beautiful within and without, to be strong to the end of my days, actively loving, serving, doing good works for the Lord. It begins with the fear of the Lord. On Mother's Day, Pastor's sermon was from Proverbs 31. May that standard be my aim: to be a virtuous woman, a wife of noble character, a woman who fears the Lord. O Lord, I cannot attain it! Only You can help me to put away foolishness and to pursue wisdom and virtue, by Your grace and mercy.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
New Habits for Old
They say a new habit can be formed in 3 weeks.
Today I will start:
1 walking 20 mins (and more) on the threadmill in the morning
2 reading His Word, meditating, and writing here
3 doing the necessary in the house as early as possible
...
We'll see if what they say is true.
sc
Today I will start:
1 walking 20 mins (and more) on the threadmill in the morning
2 reading His Word, meditating, and writing here
3 doing the necessary in the house as early as possible
...
We'll see if what they say is true.
sc
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Come and have breakfast
"Come and have breakfast," Jesus said to His disciples on the shore by the Sea of Tiberias. He is alive and well, having gone through suffering, death and hell for us all. He is Back! He is risen! And He is with us, His disciples, always, watching, loving, guiding, and inviting us to Himself.
"Come and have breakfast." O Lord, I'd love to, I will, I'll come. Because You feed me with the choicest and the best healthy and life-giving food and drink. And You do not upbraid me for my many failings and foolishness. You draw me in and You love me just as I am.
O let me come and let me stay! For lunch and dinner and supper too. We will eat and fellowship together. You will fill me and then send me, going before me, I know, filled and ready to do Your perfect will.
(John 21:1-14)
"Come and have breakfast." O Lord, I'd love to, I will, I'll come. Because You feed me with the choicest and the best healthy and life-giving food and drink. And You do not upbraid me for my many failings and foolishness. You draw me in and You love me just as I am.
O let me come and let me stay! For lunch and dinner and supper too. We will eat and fellowship together. You will fill me and then send me, going before me, I know, filled and ready to do Your perfect will.
(John 21:1-14)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Lent
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a period of 40 days of penitence and prayer in preparation for the celebration of Easter, which comes only after Good Friday. Before the Resurrection and the Glory comes the Garden of Gethsemane and the Cross of Calvary.
Jesus taught us to pray thus:
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will also not forgive your sins."
Matthew 6:5-15
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us how to pray. Thank you indeed for praying for us, your disciples. Thank you for giving us Your Holy Spirit to help us to pray to the heavenly Father. Thank you for giving us Your precious name to pray.
Father, I come to You, Your child, just as I am, in Jesus' name. Thank you for Your love and amazing grace, thank you for this wonderful privilege of being Yours and having this relationship with You.
sc
Jesus taught us to pray thus:
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
This, then, is how you should pray:
'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.'
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will also not forgive your sins."
Matthew 6:5-15
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us how to pray. Thank you indeed for praying for us, your disciples. Thank you for giving us Your Holy Spirit to help us to pray to the heavenly Father. Thank you for giving us Your precious name to pray.
Father, I come to You, Your child, just as I am, in Jesus' name. Thank you for Your love and amazing grace, thank you for this wonderful privilege of being Yours and having this relationship with You.
sc
Friday, February 06, 2009
Praying and looking for the Silver Lining
Jesus, the Greatest of all Leaders, the King and Lord of all said,
"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23: 11,12)
And He practised what He preached when He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10: 45)
Though "being in very nature God,
(Christ Jesus) did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2: 6-11)
I know I'll see the Silver Lining in due time, because the Son is shining always behind the dark clouds, and the Prince of Peace reigns over all.
"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23: 11,12)
And He practised what He preached when He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10: 45)
Though "being in very nature God,
(Christ Jesus) did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2: 6-11)
I know I'll see the Silver Lining in due time, because the Son is shining always behind the dark clouds, and the Prince of Peace reigns over all.
Friday, January 23, 2009
CNY & PSSC
Monday 26 January is Chinese New Year: all over the world, Chinese of whatever religion will be celebrating by having a Reunion Dinner on the eve i.e. on Sunday night with family. Then on the day, there will be visiting of relatives and friends, giving of Ang Pows (red packets with cash) by the married folks to the young and unmarried, and eating of cookies and mandarin oranges and all kinds of food.
Year by year, however, as the children grow up and leave home to study, work or marry, the family reunions and gathering become smaller, and evolve as all things do with time. Some people take the long holidays (in Malaysia the 1st and 2nd days of the CNY are public holidays) to travel overseas or around the country. Some don't mark it altogether and continue working or doing whatever they enjoy in their free time.
This year, one brother and family will not be here, and one niece and nephew too. The patriarch is also absent, having gone to his home in Heaven, his real home as is ours. And we're missing Ethan for the 1st time. He's on the other side of the globe, in Denmark, and I doubt he'll miss the CNY traditions and festivities.
Monday 26 January is also the day "the survey to determine if Logos Hope is ready for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) is scheduled to begin... With that day rapidly approaching, work has gone into overdrive aboard the ship! People are working into the night to ensure that everything is finished in time and with excellence. One of the biggest jobs is the generator, but many other jobs need to be done by next week. The deck department is renovating the steering gear room, which contains the rudder and the emergency steering controls. The project team is welding up any holes in bulkheads (walls) and checking that every wall can withstand fire for specified lengths of time...." (Logos Hope News)
He has been working hard in the galley, and hopefully, God willing, the ship will be able to start its maiden voyage from Koge soon.
Year by year, however, as the children grow up and leave home to study, work or marry, the family reunions and gathering become smaller, and evolve as all things do with time. Some people take the long holidays (in Malaysia the 1st and 2nd days of the CNY are public holidays) to travel overseas or around the country. Some don't mark it altogether and continue working or doing whatever they enjoy in their free time.
This year, one brother and family will not be here, and one niece and nephew too. The patriarch is also absent, having gone to his home in Heaven, his real home as is ours. And we're missing Ethan for the 1st time. He's on the other side of the globe, in Denmark, and I doubt he'll miss the CNY traditions and festivities.
Monday 26 January is also the day "the survey to determine if Logos Hope is ready for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) is scheduled to begin... With that day rapidly approaching, work has gone into overdrive aboard the ship! People are working into the night to ensure that everything is finished in time and with excellence. One of the biggest jobs is the generator, but many other jobs need to be done by next week. The deck department is renovating the steering gear room, which contains the rudder and the emergency steering controls. The project team is welding up any holes in bulkheads (walls) and checking that every wall can withstand fire for specified lengths of time...." (Logos Hope News)
He has been working hard in the galley, and hopefully, God willing, the ship will be able to start its maiden voyage from Koge soon.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Opening of Nacscom Day Centre & Hari Seni
Saturday January 17 was the launch of the National Council of Senior Citizens Organisations Malaysia’s (Nacscom) second day care centre at the Semarak DBKL flats in Setapak. The first one was opened in Damansara Jaya on Jan 10. See Star Online report here.
The Semarak centre comprises an open area on the ground of Block B and a flat on the first floor containing a Reading Room and a Computer Centre. Hope EFC helped organise the Hari Seni at the open area with artists from far and wide: a painter from Iran (Ivy's English language student), Orang Asli weavers, a Chinese pottery man from Cheras, art students from Dasein Art College doing paper greeting cards, a craftsgirl making caterpillars from kitchen towels and disposable chopsticks, local Malay portrait artist and painter, ceramic painting artist May and sister Betty, and floor chalk artists from Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada (3 young girls from YWAM)! Our youth helped at the Origami table and the colouring contest for the younger kids. It was a wonderful morning of art and creativity, friendship and FUN!The weather was sunny and breezy, and everything went swimmingly well, imho, all praise and glory to God! Despite that Saturday being a replacement school day, there were still many children and teens who came to provide enough "business" for every table to keep them busy. In fact, it may have been a good thing as otherwise, we would not have been able to cope!
For great pictures, go to Priscilla's post here. She said, "I HAD A FANTASTIC TIME!!!!" So did I! And so did many others, thanks and praise be to God, and to all the willing and cheerful volunteers, helpers and donors! God bless everyone of them, and the dear old senior citizens and the residents there (who did the gotong-royong cooking and serving, dancing and enjoying!)
Friday, January 16, 2009
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
Psalm 22
"As we await the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus' second coming, let us do so by serving Him with praise and thanksgiving for what He has accomplished for us on the cross." Elsie Cherian, Asian Reflections Year Three January 15
"As we await the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus' second coming, let us do so by serving Him with praise and thanksgiving for what He has accomplished for us on the cross." Elsie Cherian, Asian Reflections Year Three January 15
My Saviour, Redeemer
Lifted me from the miry clay
Almighty forever
I will never be the same
‘Cause You came near
From the everlasting
To the world we live
The Father’s only Son
You lived and You died
You rose again on high
You opened the way
For the world to live again
Hallelujah
For all You’ve done
Hallelujah
For all You’ve done
Reuben Morgan "For All You've Done"
Lifted me from the miry clay
Almighty forever
I will never be the same
‘Cause You came near
From the everlasting
To the world we live
The Father’s only Son
You lived and You died
You rose again on high
You opened the way
For the world to live again
Hallelujah
For all You’ve done
Hallelujah
For all You’ve done
Reuben Morgan "For All You've Done"
Monday, January 12, 2009
2009 Home's Kool
Saturday night was the Homeschool Gathering & Dinner at the Subang Lake View Club, organised by KV and David. I thought Elliot did a good job as MC together with JEu, but then that's a mother's biased opinion. It was good to have the teens take charge and it was a happy (I would say) pandemonium. Well, what will you get when you've got more than 170 over parents and kids of all ages (over 50 families) in an open dining area (next to the swimming pool) with a deplorable audio system, and without a raised platform or stage. There were enthusiastic joyful performances by children (violin, guitar, percussion, voice etc), and an even more enthusiastic joyful Dad, but only the few tables in front had the pleasure of sight and sound. Adults were busy talking, and some smaller children were doing what comes naturally (making noise), all very distracting, especially for the few of us who took the mike to talk a little about homeschooling.
Still, it was great to see so many new families with young children starting out on the homeschool journey, and to get to meet many people some of whom are related or connected to so and so. It was also a real Malaysian getogether with folks from all races and faiths and more than a few inter-racial families.
Still, it was great to see so many new families with young children starting out on the homeschool journey, and to get to meet many people some of whom are related or connected to so and so. It was also a real Malaysian getogether with folks from all races and faiths and more than a few inter-racial families.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Watch
Meditations on Matthew 24 (discussion in Cell Group of sermon preached last Sunday):
Wars and rumours of wars, famines and earthquakes... such things must happen, so Jesus said. That's Planet Earth from the beginning since the Fall of man, as the whole earth groans under the curse of sin. So do not be alarmed: keep watch, not on tumultous world events, but on your relationship with God. For our faith will be tested by persecution and opposition, false teachings and the increase of wickedness, because of which "the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Jesus is coming again, the day and hour unknown, so we need to be ready at all times to meet Him. Besides, the time of our own departure from this earth is also unknown and we should be ready at all times to be called Home. In the words of D.A. Carson, we are "exhorted to look forward to the Lord's return and meanwhile to live responsibly, faithfully, compassionately, and courageously while the Master is away."
O that I may be the faithful and wise servant with whom the Master will be pleased.
We sang the song Still last night many times. Now my head is full of Reuben Morgan's songs from his album which has been playing in my car: You alone are God... Sing my soul... Come live in me...
Wars and rumours of wars, famines and earthquakes... such things must happen, so Jesus said. That's Planet Earth from the beginning since the Fall of man, as the whole earth groans under the curse of sin. So do not be alarmed: keep watch, not on tumultous world events, but on your relationship with God. For our faith will be tested by persecution and opposition, false teachings and the increase of wickedness, because of which "the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Jesus is coming again, the day and hour unknown, so we need to be ready at all times to meet Him. Besides, the time of our own departure from this earth is also unknown and we should be ready at all times to be called Home. In the words of D.A. Carson, we are "exhorted to look forward to the Lord's return and meanwhile to live responsibly, faithfully, compassionately, and courageously while the Master is away."
O that I may be the faithful and wise servant with whom the Master will be pleased.
We sang the song Still last night many times. Now my head is full of Reuben Morgan's songs from his album which has been playing in my car: You alone are God... Sing my soul... Come live in me...
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Still
Hide me now, under Your wings.
Cover me within Your mighty hand.
Cover me within Your mighty hand.
Chorus:
When the oceans rise
and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quietness and trust.
(lyrics of still by reuben morgan)
Thank You, O Lord , for a lovely retreat to the Awana Genting Highlands resort with Fiona B and with You, for the refreshing cool, and the quietness and beauty of the place - such wonderful gifts from You! We walked and enjoyed the breezy air and birds' singing, sat and kept still on a bench at the golf practice place while a couple of novice golfers practised their strokes, talked and prayed when they were done and we were alone.
Then we drove back and lunched at a shop selling Nasi Dagang and East Coast cuisine: my favourite. In the car, this song by Reuben Morgan was playing. Evelyn W had led us to sing it last Sunday and it had been playing in my heart and mind since.
I've just begun John Piper's book "Desiring God" and was reading it there too.
O Lord, thank You for being You: You alone are God, and You reign over all.
Then we drove back and lunched at a shop selling Nasi Dagang and East Coast cuisine: my favourite. In the car, this song by Reuben Morgan was playing. Evelyn W had led us to sing it last Sunday and it had been playing in my heart and mind since.
I've just begun John Piper's book "Desiring God" and was reading it there too.
O Lord, thank You for being You: You alone are God, and You reign over all.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Lost
I have a recurring dream about losing my handbag or purse. Last night, I dreamt I'd carelessly put the purse with money and documents, handphone and something else, on a bench in a busy area. The same panic, regret, anger at myself came over me when I realized it in the dream.
Is it because I feel that I'm losing control in real life? Too many things going on and to do. Haha, some will laugh. Is a housewife really that busy? Someone actually asked that recently, a girl just turned 21.
I need to "be still, and know that He is God; He will exalted among the nations, He will be exalted in the earth." The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10,11
Is it because I feel that I'm losing control in real life? Too many things going on and to do. Haha, some will laugh. Is a housewife really that busy? Someone actually asked that recently, a girl just turned 21.
I need to "be still, and know that He is God; He will exalted among the nations, He will be exalted in the earth." The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10,11
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
A New Beginning
Okay, I didn't write anything here at all through the year 2008. Just had no inspiration, I guess. Well, here is a new year, so here I am, trying again. This blog is still here, and I'm still here, not having checked out of earth yet, as I will one day. So till then, I must try to write, not just read and talk.
I'm using the Daily Devotional Readings, Asian Reflections Year 3, and I'm glad it starts with Psalm 1. And this is my prayer for the new year, that I may be like that Blessed man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked or stands in the way of sinners or sits in the seat of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord and on which law, he meditates day and night.
Psalm 2 is very assuring in the light of the conflict going on in the Gaza between the Israelis v the Palestinians and the whole world, and news of persecution of Christians all over various parts of the world:
I'm using the Daily Devotional Readings, Asian Reflections Year 3, and I'm glad it starts with Psalm 1. And this is my prayer for the new year, that I may be like that Blessed man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked or stands in the way of sinners or sits in the seat of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord and on which law, he meditates day and night.
Psalm 2 is very assuring in the light of the conflict going on in the Gaza between the Israelis v the Palestinians and the whole world, and news of persecution of Christians all over various parts of the world:
Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against His Anointed One.
"Let us break their chains," they say.
"and throw off their fetters."
The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
Then He rebukes them in His anger,
and terrifies them in His wrath, saying,
"I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill."
(Psalm 2:1-6)
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the LORD
and against His Anointed One.
"Let us break their chains," they say.
"and throw off their fetters."
The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
Then He rebukes them in His anger,
and terrifies them in His wrath, saying,
"I have installed my King
on Zion, my holy hill."
(Psalm 2:1-6)
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