Man of exceptional quality

Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God."
Daniel 6:3-5


MAN OF EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY

This verse was send to me by my wife; it really is an exceptional verse because it highlights one very important aspect of Christian life, which is our life to the non-believers are not judged by the knowledge, our enthusiasm in church, the ministry we participate because non-believers only see God through the way we live our DAILY life.

Just like Daniel, almost 100%of us are either working in the world or are in contact with people who have yet to believe in God, and the worst thing we can do is to live such a bad testimony that non-believers wonder if there is actually a God. I have heard enough testimony’s from non Christian who complain that they know of Christians who gossip a lot, complain and grumble when there is work, Christians who never do their job well, and are constantly obnoxious or constantly failing subjects.

Remember non-Christian are not convicted because you do a lot of ministry but they are convicted because they see how God changed your life to be more gentle, loving, kind and forgiving. It is no wonder that Timothy wrote that before one becomes an overseer, he must first have inner qualities
That exudes the flavour of Christ.

In the words from the book of Daniel, I hope that one day when a non-believer scrutinize our life they can write this about you. The words are little modified, to the NEW PAUL TRANSLATION… the blanks are your name … read it as though you are reading about yourself.

Daniel 6:3-5

Now ______ so distinguished himself among the administrators and the manager by his exceptional qualities that the Company Owner planned to promote him to be the CEO over the whole Company. At this, the administrators and the managers tried to find grounds for charges against ________ in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.

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Funny Joke

In a worldwide survey, a single question was asked:
'Please give your opinion about the food shortage in the rest of the world.'
The survey was a huge failure due to the following reasons:
• In Africa they did not know what 'food' meant.
• In Western Europe, they did not know what 'shortage' meant.
• In Eastern Europe, they did not know what 'opinion' meant.
• In South America, they did not know what 'please' meant.
• And in the US, they did not know what 'the rest of the world' meant.

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God’s love language?

God’s love language?

Sometimes in the myriad of all the hustle and bustle of life, we loss focus on what God really wants from us. It’s like trying to woo a lady, you buy lots of presents and expensive gifts thinking that it will win her heart but only to realise that it’s not her love language.

If we are indeed created in the image of God then, I would believe that God has a love language too. And throughout ages men have tried to expound the deep truth of God’s heart and come out with a formula to prove our love to God.

Some say that if we love God we need to study and learn and understand the mysteries of the bible, Some say that if we love God we need to serve with all our heart to prove our love to God, while other says that to love God is to see our life thoroughly transform and to be able to live a life of faith.

Maybe the simplest answer may just be right in front of us, I believe all the above is true, but these will be the by-product of our love not vice versa. I think the one thing that truly God desire, is to be able to have an intimate relationship with us. When he created Adam and eve, he wanted to share his joy, his happiness and have close relationship with them. It was a relationship that God wanted from his created being. That is why the bible say the most important commandment is to love your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Isn’t it ironic that sometimes, in our pursuit to show our love we assume we had to do a lot more. A classic example was the story of Mary and Martha. One devoted her love to serving; while another devoted her life to sitting at the feet of Jesus and God commended Mary for that. David also knew the key and that was a close relationship with God and God loved him because of that.

What it simply is is that all God want is for us first is to be able to have a consistent relationship with him through our worship, prayer and word. God wants us to seek him and to always desire to be at his feet. We can serve God without knowing him, We can change without loving him, We can read the bible without understanding him, But we certainly cannot love him without doing all the above.

Therefore if the extent of our love is strong, we do not need to be pushed to change, to read the bible, to serve, because our love will motivate us to do so. Never let your relationship with God take second place to your service to God. It’s the relationship he desires not the service.

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God’s timing and God’s will.

If you were to ask most Christian, we would all agree that God’s has a plan for our life. His plan is often incorporated into His will for the world. God’s will does not change, He wants all to come to know him and that their life is changed and transform in the process of knowing him. God desires for us to have an abundant life.

But sometimes men in their zeal, set the agenda for God rather than allowing God to work his will into our life. Abraham was promised a son, but did not eventuate until the time was right. We could try to cajole God to follow our will and timetable. But that would be putting God in a box.

One verse in particular struck me in 1Timothy 3:6 which timothy mention about not allowing a recent convert to be a leader.

1 Tim 3:6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

So I wondered who is considered a recent convert, and who is too new for ministry. Some theologians and teachers have often debated how long it normally takes for someone to be a leader in the house of God. I have heard some saying half a year is all it takes to build a leader, while some say more than a year.

I do believe that God did not set a specific time frame because everyone is different and circumstances vary with different people. Rather than being time-led, God’s timing is often results led. Therefore when a person is ready in ministry, success often follows them in their endeavours.

Rather than being led pushed by people or circumstances, you would find that you are being pulled towards your calling.

May God be your strength

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Been a long time in coming

Its been almost 3 weeks to my post. After coming back from holiday it seems there is always somthing i have to do.

Unfortunately today, i forgot to switch my carheadlights now am stuck in the office waiting for my wife to rescue me of sort. .... so praying that i can get out of office soon. i hope mine is not the only car in the field though.

I should start blogging more daily and write some of what i learn daily as well. we alwasy seem to start well and sort of fizzle out... I plan to continue my blog and make time for it.

Office is so quiet... no one around... people must think i ma crazy to stay so late... but anyway..no choice. That is life

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Almost Home

We are almost at the end of our trip ... tghis trip was truly relaxing and tiring in a way... cause we had to take bus and travel alot.... but yet its was relaxing because we did everything at our own pace. Which was good.

We manage to go to the 3 theme parks along the way and visited some nice places.... disney land and sea as well as universal studio.

We are currently in the internet cafe.... trying to figure our way to the other hotel. I can only say its not very near, so hopefully we get there in time.

Time to go for our one last shopping trip.

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Shopping in Osaka

Today we went to the Osaka Castle and also went to this place called Donotomburi and shopping.

When i asked for an English menu, the english menu was something to behold... I seriously think they did not put much effort into the english . i really do not understand what they are trying to say but you figure

Look at it...

Hope you enjoy looking at the menu we ourselves have to struggle with....

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Universal Studio More Pics

Here are more pics from the studio ... enjoy ....

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Tokyo Trip and Photo

Here are the photos are Tokyo Disney Sea, we wanted to go Tokyo Disneyland but it was fully booked. So had to go to tokyo disney sea.... we will be back on Sat to go to Disneyland though and this time we will book in advance just in case

Also now in Osaka... visited a lot of places good things is we need not wake up early but go at our own pace. We also visited Universal Studio and it was really fun... alot of rides never seen before in the Universal Studio in Brisbane. Tokyo is much better.. though i musr say most stuff are in Japanese. so unless you can speak Jap.... sorry man.... its like chicken and duck talk

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Here in Japan Day 1

today is saturday. and both of us are very tired after 11 both of us are very tired after 11 hours flight. we are now sitting in the internet cafe typing this blog and its 12.30pm now. WE cant check in until 1.00pm so thought might as well update the blog.

Everything here is in japanese and the signs are all japanese. So you can imagine the difficult we are facing. But where there is a will there is a way.

we had Ramen for lunch and now planning to go Shinjuku... here are some photos... will send more ..... later

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The reason I live

Devotion

As i look back at my Christian walk, i've come to reflect on the way i have lived my life. And as I ponder on the future that lies ahead, I begin to see how important a personal relationship with God is. When all is said and done, what is truly the question God would ask of me ?

Job 1: 8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

Listening to Ps Greg Laurie, on the greatest stories every told.. and as he ran through the sermons of the lifes of all the people in the bible, It really opened my eyes to the reality of the importance of a relationship with Christ.

How true it is to have a constant walk with God .... so that when testing comes you can stand strong.

Amen

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Interesting week

Today is friday morning, been so busy the whole week with work. That i have no time for anything else. Yesterday I cook hookien noodle which i made for my wife and myself, I let my colleague try and she said it was nice.

Everyone been asking me to open restaurant but am not too sure. Cooking sure is my passion. I really enjoy the art in making simple taste awesome. Sometimes i watch the cooking show i think to myself ... maybe i can be the next " asian jamie oliver'' ... of course i would be more good looking.

My friend Kris told me i would mention about the car in my blog.. and well i thought i should... yesterday... i found out that another dealership was having a special on the honda Euro Tourer which i bought... I was so sad... cause i paid about $1000 more than what was currently offered.
And sure enough.. i was so sad i even dream about it the whole night... and woke up at 3.00am.. which is why i am writing my blog... but... then i think about it ..i actually went to the dealership at Honda North and offered the price i offered at Burswood Honda but they rejected the amount of $40K, so i suppose its not so bad when i think of it.

Cause there is always specials and there will be places which will sell cheaper because of specials but since i am not God, it is impossible to predict where and when the special begins or start. So my consolation is that I offered $40K at Honda north earlier last week but they only had special yesterday.

In any case, my wife is discussing to change Car too... cause the holden is not very good... her choice is as follows

Beetle Turbo -saw one second hand ... selling in the dealership

Integra - i won't mind this ...my wife also say ok but the problem is finding one which is black

Civiv -Not too bad... she dont mind as well.

Of course i would not have mind if she gets the XR5 turbo... Ford focus.. this car had good review and know one selling for $35,000

Mmmmmm.... this next few days will be exciting... to find the next car AT A CHEAPER PRICE>> >>> for sure this time. hahaha..

Next time we should pray and seek God

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The rush of life

Time really flies.... especially when you are busy.... its hard to believe that its over the hump week... and we are now going down the hump. ( Hump week is WED.. in aussie term... it means the middle of the week.. just in case someone is wondering)

Went to look for car again this time for my wife... hahaha... she is facing the same problem as me ... choices.... so i taught her the principle i learned about the choices of life... set your mind on one car... and one car only... so your search would be easy.

Life is always like that people who are truly focused often would get things done faster, better than most people. When u dont have a focus you really struggle to know your direction in life. But for most even though there is a focus in their life... sometimes we don't really want to do it
Maybe we are afraid or maybe we are lazy.

Anyway, the bible taught us that as Ye sow so shall Ye reap...

Amen

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The Friends that are in my life

Yesterday Vic came over to help fix the pool fence. Council said the fence was too low so had to move the fence up to 1.5M. Sometimes its good to have friends who are handyman, who is mr fix-it-all. If left to me i think i would not have the time to do the fence at all. Well I sort of bribed him with KFC so i suppose that is one incentive.

My housemate however is another type of friend...... one of them Kris enjoys reading Comics and doing a little housework... his life seems so relax even though he is as old as me.... Some say he looks much older.. i cant deny though.... I suppose he is like muse... he keeps me sane when i need to release some pressure off my life... You can say he is like a punching bag ... he is the the type of friend that makes life abit more interesting

My other housemate however is like a cat...people call him Alan... and he behaves abit like a cat... if you think how a cat behaves that is abit like him.... prim and proper.. but after having join the student group... i think is starting to have a detrimental effect on his behaviour... hahah... well u could say being around kids more often... makes him like a young old man....
Good thing is he helps out with the bills for the house

A person needs only a couple of good friend to make a difference in life.

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The results are turning

Finally after weeks of frustration... it seems Manchester United is starting to show signs of revival... though a little slower than what i would have liked. With the imminent return of Ronaldo and also with Saha.. i believe we would have the result we are looking for.

Isn't it weird that although on paper, we seem to have the strongest team, in reality its not always the strongest team that wins the game..... but the team that plays well together.

This is so true in practical real life.... too.... its not important how talented a team of people is in your group but the hearts of the people who are willing to do their part for the sake of the team...
we need team players not star players.

Be a team player... not a star player.

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Daily Devotion

Jesus said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves." (Luke 9:23 NRSV Bible)

---

Many self-help books tell us that denial is good. Self-denial is the path to success. If you delay gratification, if you work hard, if you put your money into savings, if you wait to have your needs met until a time when you can afford it, if you cut down on your cholesterol and get plenty of exercise, then you can be successful. We all recognize the wisdom of that advice. To gain control over our desires--to subjugate them to some greater and higher goal--this is the path that leads to fulfillment. Everyone of us at some time or another has followed this advice.

I read about a cartoon once that showed a little boy attempting to lead a huge Saint Bernard dog on a leash. The dog was dragging the boy along behind and obviously in a different direction from which the boy wanted to go. The young fellow was bracing his feet and turning to the dog and angrily shouting, "Let's get this straight! You are my dog. I'm not your boy." Denying ourselves of some things in life is a lot like this boy--they can pull us in the opposite direction we want to go, but we must preserver.

We all recognize that somehow we must, if we are going to be successful, control our desires. How else can we "be all that we can be?"

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MY NEW CAR

Yes ... finally got the car i wanted... the Honda Accord EURO Limited Edition Tourer....

Has a test drive and was blown away.. hee hee.. possibly easily... tempted by the gadgets of the car...

Sat Nav, Touch screen console, dual climate... mmmmmmm.... reverse sensor.... and so much feature...

Will post my new car when it arrives... feels like a groom waiting for the bride... hee hee...

Anticipatiiooooonnnnn................................mmmmm

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New Car New Life

Reflecting on the choices of life.... i begin to understand that when you are unsure in life...things can get really messy and really hard. Recently, having to choose a new car to buy, i have to weigh the good and the bad... the worse thing was when you have more than one choice, and all the choices become available you start to see that it can really become confusing.

Yesterday I made a decision, to choose the Euro Accord. Because of its resale value and because it is a limited release and would fetch a higher price if i were to sell it on the open market, compared to the other 2 car i want to buy.

Once i decided on the car... after that everything was easy all i had to do was travel to all the dealer and find the best price for it.... and after the test drive it just confirm what i want all along. No more turning to the left or right... and yes.. I bought my first new car... and a car i really like. ..... black....

Isn't the kingdom of God like that as well.... isn't life like that as well.... there are many choices in our life... to choose... to serve God or to not serve God... to follow God

Isn't our life the same ? If you really know what you want won't you pursue it right to the end... the bible in Matt 13:44 gives such a powerful verse

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

When you found a treasure more precious than anything won't you be willing to get it at all cost?

Truly truly i know... the treasure field of spiritual abundance is the ultimate joy in my life. This joy i found in God is something no one can take away... and he is the treasure of my new life in christ.

Do you know what you want in life ? Do you know what you are searching for ? Would you give everything for it.

Amen

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The choice of life

In recent weeks, I learned some important lesson which has been a great blessing to my life. I was in a dilemma as to which car I had to buy. It seems that finding something you want is really going to take some time and choices for each car, every car has its own pros and cons.

I could choose the sporty cars like the Focus XR5 Turbo.... or the family car Euro Accord....but both are in the 30K region. .... or i could get a second hand nice sports car ... like the subaru... WRX.. Turbo has power.... Euro has style..... one have higher resale value than the other......

Or i could have got a Civic and style it up... which is still nice... as the civic is around 20K..... of course the shape and interior can't fight with cars from the 30K ....

Then i had to decide if i should get the old or new car....what choices i have to make

You know life is all about choices... the choices you make or choices you don't makes who you are....sometimes we let our heat rule over our head and we make choices that brings us to another path of life... isn't it true that the road down a life of criminal path is just a moments decision to take something from a store... a path between depression and destruction is a choice to get physical with someone when things go wrong...sometimes the line is so thin

God has a plan for all of us.... but we need to choose his plan...

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Determining God's Will

Exerpts from a devotion i found...

Christians sometimes find it difficult to determine God's will for their lives in certain situations. Times when you don't find a clear direction can be very confusing and frustrating. God gave Moses the burning bush, he showed his will to Gideon with the fleece, and he spoke to Saul with thunder and lightening. When he does this for us, it's easy to understand God's guidance. But he seldom does it this way. To truly find God's will for our life we often must step out in faith. This can be scary, but we need to realize God is there beside us and he will not allow us to stray as long as we trust in him. Proverbs 3:6 promises us, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Psalm 37:23 tells us, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...." And Isaiah 30:21 informs us, "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." God's word plainly is saying that God will help us find his direction, but how does he do it?

I believe God reveals his will to us in two or three stages. Initially, we may get a feeling of direction from God from different sources:

1. Prayer. In order for God to speak to us, we need to be in his presence listening for his voice. As we spend time in prayer, we may sense God's leading in our lives. 2. His word. God speaks to us through his written word as we study and meditate upon his holy scripture.

3. Circumstances. Many times God will cause doors to open, or others to close. If we are walking in obedience to him, we have to assume that events in our life are ordered by God. They don't just happen by chance. Maybe the reason why a door has opened up to us is that God wants us to go through it!

4. Our heart. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will minister to our spirit and reveal God's plan for us. We will have an assurance deep in our heart. We will feel God's voice guiding us.

5. Others. God can use other believers to bring us his direction. Sometimes we will be singing a song in church, or we will be reading a Christian book, or hear the Pastor's message, or one of our friends will say something that will show us God's will. God can reveal his direction to us through any of these five ways. But even when he does, it's sometimes difficult to discern that what we sense or feel is truly God's plan for our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 18:16, "...by the word of two or three witnesses every word may be established." Jesus is here quoting Deuteronomy 19:15, "...by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established." I believe this is a good principle to follow in trying to figure out God's plan for you. Initially, you get the direction from one of the five ways mentioned above, but now God will confirm his plan to you in the mouth of two or three witnesses: in other words: one or two more things will confirm God's direction for you. When you see this confirmation, then you will know it's time to step out in faith. There have been times in my life when I simply had to take that first step of faith, and when I did, God confirmed his plan for me as I went. You may sense God asking you to do this, but remember, God understands our human weakness. If we sincerely seek him and are willing to obey his word, he will usually affirm his will for us in other ways.

He confirms his direction for us the same way he revealed it to us in the first place — through one of these five ways:

1. Prayer. We need to seek God in prayer. Luke 11:9-10 promises, "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." If we truly seek God's will, we will find it.

2. His word. Sometimes while we're struggling for God's guidance, a scripture that we are reading will seem to pop out at us confirming which way God wants us to go. Psalm 119:105 tells us, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Allow God's word to illumine your pathway.

3. Circumstances. Events will sometimes indicate God's direction for us. Paul wrote about such a circumstance in his life in 2 Corinthians 2:12, "Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord." As you are seeking God's direction, events may establish what you have already felt God telling you to do.

4. Our heart. God will sometimes speak to our heart. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would help guide us in John 16:13, "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for he will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." Just like Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-12, we need to be listening for God's still small voice speaking to our soul.

5. Others. Many times when we are struggling with indecision, God will use others to affirm his will. Sometimes a song will speak to us, or God will use the Pastor's message. Many times a friend will speak to us and, not realizing our struggle, will speak words of encouragement which will help solidify our decision for the Lord. Other times someone on the radio, or a book will proclaim God's answer to us. God uses his whole church body to minister to one another. Colossians 3:16 instructs us, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." God will speak to us whether it's the word of Christ, or wisdom, or teaching, or admonishing, or songs, or grace in our hearts. God will confirm his will in our lives.

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Photos from our recent Makan Night

OUR RECENT FOOD NIGHT ... WITH SOME OF THE CG MEMBERS

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Willing to be Used

A person of change

Matthew 9:14-16

14Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"15Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast16"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

Recently, I was pondering on the issue of personal and spiritual growth. Why do some people truly excel in life while others struggle in their walk. I look at some people in my age group and i can see such vast difference in the life of different people.

While some are high-flyers and excel in their spiritual walk, others struggle to make their life a little better, nothing seem to change with them. Then i was reminded of the verse in Matthew 9. Jesus was questioned about fasting by the pharisee and he replied that we cannot put new wine into old wine skin.

In life it is so true, when we refuse to change and constantly be a new wineskin, we would limit how much God can pour into our life. Coming from a methodist background, I was at first skeptical about speaking in new tongues and baptism in the holy spirit. But i choose not to limit myself and God. In fact, every time there is something new, I always ask God to show me and guide me and if its from the bible, I will choose to obey and flow with the Lord whatever it is in the spiritual or my own personal growth.

Allowing God to move in us daily allow us to be a new wineskin so that God can constantly pour in new fresh revelation into our life. The moment we stopped accepting truth into our life, we stop growing and daily we become old wineskin.

Never stop asking God, Never be afraid of asking God to speak to us.

Amen

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To buy or not to buy

I am in the midst of deciding to buy a new car and sell off my Honda Prelude and the Nissan Sunny. I hope i can get at least 17K for both the cars. If anyone is interested let me know. Went to see new cars with my wife on Wednesday. 3 car stood out for me and its really tempting to get. What can we say, these cars are really top notch

I was considering Toyota.. but i think the quality is not really there. the interior was really plain. Of course for those who owns a toyota... i won't say much.

Still have to decide which is good car though.. These are my dream choices - Honda Type R, Honda Euro, Focus XR5.

Hopefully it will become a reality


Focus XR5






Honda VTI-R









HONDA EURO ACCORD

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Joke of the Day

Why do we have a leap year (as in this year) and why is it in February?

The issue of leap year and the weirdness of February is always worth looking at because, coming so infrequently, who can remember the explanation for it from the last time?

The earth revolves around the sun every 365.24 days, not an even 365. That produces an extra day's worth of hours every four years. We could distribute them as a bonus to everyone--a one-day time-out every fourth year in which the clock is stopped and we stay in bed all day. But we don't. Instead we add an extra day onto February.

Why February? It was originally the last month on the Roman calendar and a logical place to stick the extra day. But Julius Caesar changed the first month to January, stranding February and its little peculiarity in the second spot.

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The mind of a champion

Was listening to a sermon from Chuck Swindoll and was thinking about sports and competition. Somtimes as people we often see sports and competition as something nothing more than extra curricular activity. But looking back, I see that actually sports and competition often helps develop characteristics of the mind of champions.

I think people who excel in sports and are leaders in their sports field or competition often if committed to Jesus would become great Christian.

People who have been trained for competition would understand these verse and what it means to win the prize. That is why when people who have walked this path would probably develop the characteristics necessary to become great christian if they decide to run this race with the Lord.


1 Cor 9:24-25

24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

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Do you still believe God even when you can't believe what just happened?

Taken from Weekly Bible Devotion -

Do you still believe God even when you can't believe what just happened?

When something really awful occurs, you may use the word "unbelievable" to describe it. During those times, even if what happened may have shaken your life, it is very important to maintain your faith. Circumstances are volatile, but God is never-changing—the solid rock.

You can't depend on your outward surroundings; however, you can depend on God. That's the purpose of faith. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Then, the rest of Hebrews 11 goes on to discuss great men and women in the Bible who exhibited faith. So, when your circumstances are unbelievable—whether good or bad—be sure to maintain your faith, your confident assurance of God's love for you.

All the people mentioned in Hebrews 11 went through difficult circumstances, yet they still believed God even in the midst of their tough trials. Follow the examples of Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Moses, and countless others: live by faith. It is important that you still believe God even during unbelievable circumstances.

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Made to Laugh

Recently I went to the Caversham Wild Life Park and got to see some interesting creatures. A couple of things stood out for me... one of course was this little Kookaburra. As I listened to this little bird, a thought came into my mind, does this bird know that it is being captured and put in a cage....

Maybe it did, maybe it didn't .. i don't really know... what i know is it continue to sing its song and continue to what it was made to do - It was made to "laugh"

Gen 1:26-27

26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings^[b] in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

27 So God created human beings^[c] in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

We are created in God's image, God made us to think like him to be like him, I have learned that because we are made in the image of Christ. We should start to think, talk, feel like him. We should not let difficulties stop us, just like the bird even if we are caged, our DNA should be like that of christ.

Nothing should stop us from being who God called us to be.

Amen

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How time flies

As you might have seen, the blog was updated recently to be more interesting. I will be posting also more general interesting stuff i find online. Of course being a Man U fan.... they will be many postings about the update of our favourite team.

So you could say this site is dedicated for Man U supporters too. As for the non Man u supporters reading the blog... like my liverpool friends all i can say is God be with you

I also catch up with some blogs of my friends..... there is some interesting blogs you can read... its really good.. especially people from Singpapore. Pastor Jeff and Pastor Ben's blog is good for those wanting to know things happening in Singapore.

And for those who did not watch soccer. Man U won the charity shield. I think they are going to be awesome this season. For those interested in soccer, we are watching as often as we can at our place.

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Judges : The constant training

Judges 2 21I from now on will also not drive out from before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died.22That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk in it, as their fathers kept it, or not.23So the Lord left those nations, without driving them out at once, nor had He delivered them into Joshua's power.

Judges 3 1NOW THESE are the nations which the Lord left to prove Israel by them, that is, all in Israel who had not previously experienced war in Canaan; 2It was only that the generations of the Israelites might know and be taught war, at least those who previously knew nothing of it.3The remaining nations are: the five lords of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who dwelt on Mount Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to the entrance of Hamath.4They were for the testing and proving of Israel to know whether Israel would listen and obey the commandments of the Lord, which He commanded their fathers by Moses.


Judges : The constant training

How many times have we encountered the same problems in our life and complain to God about the issue ? Well, the reason is simple problems and issues in life strengthens our spiritual muscle.

Being someone who used to go to the gym, to build stamina we had to do constant reps using small weights, but to build muscles we had to use weights that is at the limits of our strength. The reason was to break the tendons in our body and then when it heals, the muscle gets bigger. But one truth i learn as well, once you get the muscle you have to constantly exercise to keep the shape of the body. Really hassle, but you got to do it to keep the shape.

The same is true for our spiritual muscle too. Problems are there to help provide constant spiritual strength and occasionally you will find a problem that seems bigger than what you can handle but its purpose is to increase your spiritual muscle. Therefore once you pass the test, you will find that you become stronger.

In judges we learn that God left the gentiles of the land to test Israelites to see if they will walk with him. And to build up their spiritual muscle. Unfortunately they failed the test and was judged by God and only when they have been oppressed did they decide to turn back to God

We need to learn from the lessons of the Israelites, problems will always be there but its there to help build our spiritual muscle. Decide in our hearts to overcome and not to walk away from the test.

Amen

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Why did God cursed Canaan instead of Ham

Gen 9 :20-25

20 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded ^[a] to plant a vineyard. 21 When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father's nakedness and told his two brothers outside. 23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father's nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father's nakedness.

24 When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him, 25
he said,
"Cursed be Canaan!
The lowest of slaves
will he be to his brothers."

As i was reading the passage something struck me as odd, Ham was the son who uncovered his father's nakedness yet Canaan one of his sons was cursed. So i trawl the internet to find some theories people put forth.

I ask the question - why would Canaan suffer for the sin's his father committed ? Why are the other brothers spared ? Though no real reason can be fully given, i do believe that it might be something to do with the general disposition of Canaan.

Gen 10:15 Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, ^[h] and of the Hittites, 16 Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites, 17 Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, 18 Arvadites, Zemarites and Hamathites. Later the Canaanite clans scattered 19 and the borders of Canaan reached from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.

Have a guess

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Japan here Come

Me andMy wife have been blessed by her dad.... we got a free tour to Japan ! Praise God. We are in the midst of planning our trip. Tickets are already bought, now is the anticipation of waiting for the day to arrrive.

I think this is the first time i am going on an actual holiday... i think forthe past 8-9 years its always been thailand, singapore, and other states of australia. Come to think of it, most overseas holidays are to visit parents or go to convention...

This time... its a holiday.

Can't wait to eat the Kobe beef, visit the amusement parks... and of course Tokyo. and hot spring !

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Sowing and Reaping

Everything in life needs hard work to make it work, if we want the farm to be fruitful we need to sow in hours of backbreaking work to plow the soil and plant the seed. Nothing in life comes just because we want it.

Therefore to grow a care group or unit and even our own life, we need to sow into the things we desire, if we do not sow then we cannot reap the rewards of our labor. The amount of effort and time you put in determines the result.

To build a strong group we need to sow - time and love into people's life.

To build strong spiritual life - we need to sow time in devotion, prayer and worship

To build strong relationship - we need to sow love, time, effort into the relationship

Remember what you sow will be what you reap.

Amen

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Testing and Temptation

Gen 2: 8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Testing and Temptation

I was wondering why would God plant the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden knowing well that it might be a temptation to Adam and Eve. And why would "Satan" or the serpent be allowed to roam in the garden of God. Its like a mother putting a kid in a room of toys buy and leave a knife, matches and paper for the kids as well to play.

Then as I started to mature, I began to see that God always wanted to give us choice. And choice is what makes us who we really are.

No matter if you overcome an area in your life, the area don't just go away, it will always be there just like the tree and temptation will always be there as the devil will constantly try His best to tempt us.

But life's temptation will strengthen our character and make us who we really are. Those who shy away will never be able to know if they are truly people of character, those who fail the temptation and test will know how strong they truly are.

They key i learned is that life about temptations and test, and as we continue to overcome we become stronger spiritually. But never think for once that once you pass one test the same test will not come again... it will always be around to test you when it needs to. So we have to stay strong and keep watch

The bible reminds us to keep watch and pray least we fall.

Take the test and pass the test.

Amen

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Living a Legacy

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Living A legacy

When you mention your name to people, what is the first impression that comes into other head? I know of people, whose mention of their name remind of people – a drug addict, a drunk, a gambler, a good-for nothing cheat, a lazy and spoilt brat.

I know enough people whom I have been known and been called such names, I remember I was called a playboy once during my secondary school days cause I used to date many girls. They say stick and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me…the truth is names do hurt and the legacy of your behaviour often last longer than you hope it would. It took me many years to get people to change their perception of me and it took the grace of God to transform my life.

I learned that if you really want to know what people think of you, ask a third party who don’t know you but only heard about you from someone

Saved by his grace, I choose to walk and humble my life to the God Most High, it was not easy but I wanted to be known more than just a good-for nothing person.

I choose to be a Christian and I choose to be one that pleases God. And one that shines his glory every single day.

I pray that when I die one day, the work that I do for God in this earth, will remain and my legacy could be passed on my children and to my children’s children.

For “The life we live determines the legacy we leave” – Make each day a stepping stone to greatness.

Amen

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Being a far-sighted person

2 Peter 1 : 5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Being a far-sighted person
I believe being a christian is not just going to church, singing a few songs and giving offering. I believe God is very much concerned with our way of life and our walk with him.

Just as we come to God through faith, we need to add to the faith qualities that defines us as a Christian. -God desires us not to only have faith but have a good heart. - bible says what is faith without deeds. So i believe the first transformation is our heart. And add to it knowledge, meaning the word of God... so we know whatever we do is right or wrong. Many of us may be sincere in helping but sometimes we can be sincerely wrong.


God wants us to continually change in our character so that we can be more like christ each day.

The key to growth is to allow God to change you

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Sick

Been sick these past couple of days... someone is passing on the flu bug... around... the church ..... God bless.


Good thing is i get to rest... the doctors here are also atrocious.. i had a 9.20am appointment but onlny get to see the doctor after more than 3 hours of wait... The doctor took 3 hours plus to see 4 more patient in front of me !

If had known i should have gone home and sleep...first...

Will be posting the devotion later... need to zzzzzz......

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God's Timing

I recently watched a documentary on Exodus revealed by James Cameron. It really struck me as to the awesomeness of God.

As i am currently reading the life of Moses, I look back on what the documentary tried to analyze on the crossing of the red sea. If indeed God used climatic events in the world to fulfill his prophecy,then everything Moses say to Pharaoh have to be right on time.

In recorded history, there indeed was a pharaoh named Pharaoh Ahmoses, whose Hebrew name was - The brother of Moses. I did a search on internet and found the history of the Pharaoh. Looking back, Bible is not just a fictional book but one which is historically accurate, in fact in Egypt's history was recorded in the reign of Ahmoses that he drove out a group of evil people - which I would assume they meant the Hebrews.

If we take time to search the internet we can find the background of the events and the artifacts that are found.

What i am trying to bring across is that the crossing of the red sea and the events that led to Moses crossing the red sea, whatever it was caused by natural climatic events or supernatural events. One thing was certain, every time Moses met with Pharaoh, the events have to be right on time.

I really believe that as we follow God, everything will happen according to the timing of God.

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Learning to enjoy life

Matt 6:25-34

Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^[b]?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

The bible teaches to not worry and trust God. I have learned 4 truths which i hope could bless all of us

Fact 1 – We all desire things in life

Everyone of us wants something in life, everyone desire something.. a partner, riches, good health, etc. No one tell me that they don’t want anything in life.

Fact 2 – Past cannot be changed

Try as you might past never changes. Wallowing over the past only stops you from enjoying the present and see beyond tomorrow.

Fact 3 – I can determine how I will feel today

Today is currently, right now… you can feel excited or not. You can choose to open your hearts or close your heart

Fact 4 – Only God has access to tomorrow.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:6-7)

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully" (1 Peter 5:7 Amplified Bible).

The key for greater Joy in life, is to understand the God controls tomorrow as long as we follow God and obey God whatever you do in life will be blessed. God wants to bless us and not harm us So what I would do is ask Jesus to take care of my future as I work out my present. I don’t want to worry on things I have no control over.

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Kattaning Roadtrip

The roadtrip to Kattaning was pretty fruitful for the fact that we managed to listen to alot of sermons on the way there .... 6 hours worth of sermons...

I find the trip to Kattanning really refreshing because i enjoy the occasional trip to the countryside. sadly though Kattaning has no cinema ... I wonder what the 4000 folks do for entertainment. Propbably counting sheep...

Me and my wife and prossibly andy was thinking of investing in Kattanning... saw a block of land $29K. so cheap...

there is a lot chinese there... the best part of the Sat evening was the delicious steamboat we had at one of the CG member's house.

Sunday service was in the afternoon, so did not have to wake up too early, and best of all after a prayer session we had a nice branch at the daily grind... (the food was not bad)... before proceeeding to have the tax seminar and service.

Mission trip is actually quite fun, i encourage people to give it a go, its not as tough as we think... in fact think of it like a trip to the country...

Will be posting my sermon for sunday in my next blog...

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Stricter Law better country

One of the topics that came up during a dinner conversation during Care group was the protection criminals get in Australia. Somehow many people seems to have an understanding that the law here protects the criminal rather than the victim.

Apparently unlike asian country, if somebody gets hurt trying to break into your house, or if you beat them for coming in, you can get sued. Maybe that is why petty crime is still rampant, because criminals know they can get away with it.

I think police here just give up, I remember once when my housemate got beaten up and his wallet got stolen... the police knew who they were, a bunch of well-known trouble-makers in the area, they caught the person recovered the stolen property... and guess what after 4 years still no court case. Worse still i know of someone who brag that they were caught by police with an illegal gun in the car, but was not even jailed but given a warning. Can you believe it !

If we are not careful, we may become a 1st world country, with a third world system

I think Australia might take a leaf of Singapore's criminal justice system. I believe tough punishment is the way to go, it helps the law-abiding citizen to feel safe. And i think most law-abiding citizen would agree.

On a personal note : People always talk about human rights when sentencing... but i think when a person violates other people 's rights and does something against someone. This person has disqualified himself from his rights and should be judge to the full extent of the law. Just like an athlete who uses steroids to win a race.. case in point Ben johnson....though he won the race in record time beating Carl lewis, he was disqualified and his record wipe out. Therefore when a thief comes into a house and gets hurt in the process of stealing something... he should not have the right to sue the owner, for one fact, the moment he steps into a place not deem by law to be his... he immediately disqualifies himself from his rights. And the the law should not be crazy enough to let a thief sue the owner.

Lets hope the government can amend the law to protect the good citizens of this country

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Something interesting

Was doing accounts today, and found somtehing interesting about banks...

The crazy thing is when you close a bank account, the bank account is never truly close, and people still can deposit money in it... sound wierd huh... but its true...

Somehow i feel the bank is trying to scam our money... how in the world can Banks be so rich yet can't close an account properly.

So guys.... please check your old "closed" accounts.. maybe you will have money in it from people who send money into that account.

Maybe must ask some of my friends working in the bank why is there this issue.

Maybe some people will have answers...

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The life humbled - Listen to God

Exo 4:10 Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."11 The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.13 But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."

14 Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses and he said, "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you. 15 You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. 17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it."

Life Humbled - Listening to God

As i was reading the passage, its amazing that even the most humble person and one who is mightily used by God could have made God upset. Its no doubt that Moses was humble, but he also lack self-confidence in making choices that would ultimately please God.

Imagine God speaking to you directly and you ask God to send someone else. In life, God give us many choices, sometimes he tells us directly and all he wants is for us to accept his decision.
Recently, someone made me really upset by the things the ''person'' did and the person must remain nameless.hahaha.... unfortunately this is not gossip blog. I had a choice to choose if I could forgive seriously i never thought it was this hard, sometimes its really hard.... i sat down and prayed and asked God... and then something inside spoke to me... Paul Paul... do you want to be in my presence, do you love me, if you do ..then you have to do the right thing. The bible says love covers over a multitude of sin... so i had to resolve this in my heart.

I asked God to release the forgiveness. and pray to God for strength. And i found out what a great relief. Looking back at Moses, i suppose Moses was humble but sometimes he can be quite stubborn.... and when things gets too difficult he would back down... the bible tells us God's anger burned against Moses, but God relented.... and gave him Aaron . There were times God was really upset with Moses but every time he relents. It was only in the later stage that God banished Moses for his disobedience


Numbers 20

Moses Strikes the Rock

1 In the first month of the year,^[a] the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. While they were there, Miriam died and was buried.

2 There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! 4 Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? 5 Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!”

6 Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle,^[b] where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them, 7 and the Lord said to Moses, 8 “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.”

9 So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.

12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” 13 This place was known as the waters of Meribah (which means “arguing”) because there the people of Israel argued with the Lord, and there he demonstrated his holiness among them.

I think God knew Moses still had to deal with his own issue and he was still at the infant stage of his calling.... but what i saw in the later stage was his refusal to change and fully obey caused him to be banished from the promise land.It does tells me that there is still limit to God's patience, and we should always be aware of our weakness and make every attempt to change so that we would not loss out on our promise land...

1 Cor 9:24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Don't let stubborness and disobedience cause you to loss your promise land

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Love is the visible attribute of an invisible God.

Love is the visible attribute of an invisible God.

1 John 4:12 says, No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. In other words, even though no person has ever actually seen God the Father, we are able to see God's character as we love one another.

Remember that God is love (1 John 4:8); so, when we walk in love, we are like God. Thus, although we can't actually see God, we can see his character in our love for each other (and in his love for us). Indeed, Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrates his own love for us in this:While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Furthermore, Jesus said that we, his disciples, will be known by our fruit: By their fruit you will recognize them (Matthew 7:16, 20). Galatians 5:22 tells us what that fruit is: The fruit of the Spirit is love ... . Thus, we are known by our love—love for one another and love for God. It is so important to walk in love, because love is the visible attribute of an invisible God. Life transformation is rooted in mind transformation.

Where your mind goes, your actions follow. Whatever you think about will dictate your behavior, your attitude, and (ultimately) your direction in life. Your thoughts are sort of like a rudder—they steer the rest of your body.

Considering the influence of your mind on your life, it's no surprise Paul emphasizes that in order for our lives to be changed by Christ our thoughts must first be changed by Him: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2). How are we to be transformed? By renewing (changing, refocusing) our minds so that they reflect the mind of Christ.

If our minds are so important, then it's quite understandable that the devil would fight to gain a foothold in our thoughts. Paul writes, in 2 Corinthians 4:4, The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

What better place for the devil to attack people than in their minds? As thunder follows lighting, so actions follow thoughts. And if Satan can turn your thoughts against God, your actions will assuredly follow.

Therefore, it's imperative that you set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). And when you focus your mind on God, it's only a matter of time before your actions, your passions, your attitudes—your whole life—become focused on God.

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Some Daily update

For my Singapore friends who find that this seems like a devotion blog... thought i should update you abit about life here in Perth.

We are about to have our annual church camp here and have been waiting for this camp for quite awhile, we got a very good speaker this year. And I can't wait for it. Apparently this camp is going to have lots of games and also lots of spiritual food.

Also this Sunday, I have been asked to go to Hope Kattaning to share the word of God. Its six hours drive from Perth .... hallelujah. This time going with my wife, Andy and Yileen.... Apparently we are going to have 60 chinese attending the service.

Please keep me in prayer. OH by the way.. no i am not preaching in Chinese... as you know my chinese cannot make it.... especially if you want me to preach in Chinese. But you never know.

Ok.... update more with pictures... next round...

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The Life Humbled II

Exodus 3

Moses and the Burning Bush

1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."

4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."

5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." 6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

The life Humbled - Face to face

Whenever I read this story of Moses meeting God and talking to God, sometimes I really envy Moses, how many people can claim to talk with God - not in prayers, dreams, or visions but as one man talks to another. In Exo 33: 11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.

In fact if we read Numbers 12, you will see again God affirming Moses that he speaks to Moses directly not with riddles, dreams or vision. Wouldn't it be good that God can speak to you, can you imagine, when you ask God a question and God can answer you straight away....

Well God speaks still even today, though not verbally, or face to face ( if he does you probably be in heaven) But how God speaks, well looking at the life of Moses we know from scripture that

Psalms 24 3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place?4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. ^[a]

MAtt 5: 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,for they will see God.

The fact that God met with Moses tells me that even though Moses killed somebody, he must have repented and God must have forgave him. It also tells me that his life in hiding has helped in his walk with God, his heart was humbled and his life was changed.

Therefore for God to speak to us, first and foremost, is our hands clean, is our hearts pure, have we humbled our life and lay it on the altar ?

If you want to see God face to face, make a commitment today to live the life of a righteous man or women


Amen!

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A life Humbled

EXO 2: 11 One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. 12 Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, "Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?"

14 The man said, "Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and thought, "What I did must have become known."

15 When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well.

The Life Humbled

As I explore the Life of Moses, a man that is so mightily used by God. Here was a man, whom God called one of the most humble in the world, in fact there was only 2 such people God called meek in the bible, one was Jesus, the other Moses.

Born in the house of royalties even though he was a hebrew by birth, he had everything he needed in the world. He was schooled and trained, by the best egypt could offer. everything seem great for him, until he saw an egyption beat up a hebrew. Then in his voilent rage, he killed the egyption in cold blood. What was he thinking ??? In that moment he seem to have destroyed his own life, but God had other ideas. Moses needed to be refined and humbled before God can even consider using him.

I can imagine how Moses would have felt, one day a prince among the royalties of Egypt and the next day fleeing from the people who he once called his own. It relates to me a similar story of Job, one day the wealthiest person in the world and the next the poorest among all his friends.

Rom 8 :29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

I really believe that even though through human eyes Moses seems to be losing it, but God knew all along what he was doing. Moses have to be broken and humbled, before God can contemplate using him,

The funny thing is when a person has been to the highest of high, and sank to the lowest of low and have nothing left, they are often the most vulnerable yet the most willing to listen.

I believe as Moses live a life of a fugitive, his heart must be totally broken, humbled and lost, and when the time was right, God appeared to him to tell him of his purpose. Until he was ready in his spirit and life, God continue to allow situation and circumstances of life to mould him

Count it a blessing if you are struggling in what seem like a deep valley, because out of this valley, I know God is waiting for an opportune time to lift you up abnd to use you mightily

God Bless





God bless you

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A life refined IV - Annointed Leader

Gen 39 : 2 The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5
From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.


A life refined IV - Anointed Leadership

I was asking one question recently, why some people are so fruitful in their ministry while other work so hard yet have not much fruits. I learned from my experience, that many times, when things don't go smoothly as planned, we tend to do more and work harder. But i realise that many times when things don't go smoothly, it is more often than not God wants us to pray more.
I really think, a consistent devotion is a key to continual breakthrough.

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9

Joseph's life is a good example, have you ever wondered why God's hand was always on his life? Well, if God blessed those who walk in his way, i can safely assume that Joseph must have found favour with the Lord because of his attitude and his heart

Psalms 37:4 - 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

I can possibly say that he must have been spending time with God, praying and worshiping and asking God to continually strengthen his heart and spirit. And as his heart starts to change and he starts to walk closer with God, blessing starts to flow in his life.

If we want God's hand upon our lives and be blessed abundantly, then we need to spend time with God to allow him to strengthen us.

Amen

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