"The future is yet to be written. Be faithful and live in the present"
-17 Sep 2010-
Colin
DUMC Worship Conference
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Random Post
Working on Malaysia Day...the first ever Malaysia Day in Malaysia after 47 years of independence.
Anyway, was bored and decided to do some search.
As we grow older our thoughts seems to change as well. But how much does it take to know ourselves and another person?
Anyway, was bored and decided to do some search.
As we grow older our thoughts seems to change as well. But how much does it take to know ourselves and another person?
Sunday, September 12, 2010
SIBKL YA Camp
This was my first time going to YA Camp.
It has been only months since I came to KL but so many things have happened. The Mission Trip to Sabah and this YA Camp was interesting. During the YA Camp, Ps Lee Choo shared a lot about the trip to Sabah and the things God imparted into her heart during the whole trip.
This YA Camp was also interesting because I paid RM 200 to do a Reflection Assessment Test. The result of the test were quite interesting, helps me to understand my own interest better I guess. Of course some of the results were quite expectable when I did the questions, but to see the contrast of my interest can help me to better evaluate and make decision I guess.
One thing that came to my mind when I was talking with Dr. Danny (the vocation doctor) over my reflection result was that I didn't look at my interest when I took my job. Of course I did prayed about it and asked a few of my friends to pray as well before my interview, but I didn't took into much consideration my interest, gifts etc.
Probably because of the uncertain bond that I have with JPA. I took the job because the pay was quite okay and the working hours were quite okay. But my recent feelings about the work and the result of the test seems to state that I get bored easily with routined work. I like new challenges and I have lots of interest in management, managing people especially, getting things done through people.
We shall see how this unfolds...
Anyway, before the camp ended, we were given a few minutes and asked to write down what we've learn during the past 3 days, and I'll just rewrite it here:
I need to fully trust in God, wholeheartedly, believing that He loves me and cares about me. In Him there is no condemnation. I need to spend more time with god alone, listening to His heart. When I can listen to God's heart for me, I can listen to god's heart for others. There are many fears in my life, and only the Love of God can conquer and overcome this fear.
And at the very end of the camp, Ps. Lee Choo shared the following:
God Can Be Trusted
*Destiny is a hindsight, not a foresight.
How do we fulfill our destiny?
1. A Desire that, 'God I want to live for you'
2. Disciplin ~of relationship with God, of hardship
3. Discover ~who we are, that God is moving, that we are prepared for a time as this.
During the 1st night when we were asked to pray for another person and hear what God has to say to him/her, the person praying for me said something like God thinks I'm a conqueror and He has always thinks of me in that way since I the past.
Then during the altar call when I asked the pastor to pray for me, she said something like, it's good that I have the passion and desire to serve God and do things for Him, but I also need to input God into myself. It is good that I am willing to go anywhere God sends me, but I need to know God's love for me.
Recently, and even more so after coming back from this camp, is my desire to grow deep in Christ.
And in order to do so I guess I need a lot of disciplin and spending lots of time with God.
God,
Even as I desire to grow deep in You, please lead me and guide me.
Help me to be disciplin in reading Your Word and spending more time with You.
Give me wisdom and a discerning heart so that I'll be able to understand your guidance better.
In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
It has been only months since I came to KL but so many things have happened. The Mission Trip to Sabah and this YA Camp was interesting. During the YA Camp, Ps Lee Choo shared a lot about the trip to Sabah and the things God imparted into her heart during the whole trip.
This YA Camp was also interesting because I paid RM 200 to do a Reflection Assessment Test. The result of the test were quite interesting, helps me to understand my own interest better I guess. Of course some of the results were quite expectable when I did the questions, but to see the contrast of my interest can help me to better evaluate and make decision I guess.
One thing that came to my mind when I was talking with Dr. Danny (the vocation doctor) over my reflection result was that I didn't look at my interest when I took my job. Of course I did prayed about it and asked a few of my friends to pray as well before my interview, but I didn't took into much consideration my interest, gifts etc.
Probably because of the uncertain bond that I have with JPA. I took the job because the pay was quite okay and the working hours were quite okay. But my recent feelings about the work and the result of the test seems to state that I get bored easily with routined work. I like new challenges and I have lots of interest in management, managing people especially, getting things done through people.
We shall see how this unfolds...
Anyway, before the camp ended, we were given a few minutes and asked to write down what we've learn during the past 3 days, and I'll just rewrite it here:
I need to fully trust in God, wholeheartedly, believing that He loves me and cares about me. In Him there is no condemnation. I need to spend more time with god alone, listening to His heart. When I can listen to God's heart for me, I can listen to god's heart for others. There are many fears in my life, and only the Love of God can conquer and overcome this fear.
And at the very end of the camp, Ps. Lee Choo shared the following:
God Can Be Trusted
*Destiny is a hindsight, not a foresight.
How do we fulfill our destiny?
1. A Desire that, 'God I want to live for you'
2. Disciplin ~of relationship with God, of hardship
3. Discover ~who we are, that God is moving, that we are prepared for a time as this.
During the 1st night when we were asked to pray for another person and hear what God has to say to him/her, the person praying for me said something like God thinks I'm a conqueror and He has always thinks of me in that way since I the past.
Then during the altar call when I asked the pastor to pray for me, she said something like, it's good that I have the passion and desire to serve God and do things for Him, but I also need to input God into myself. It is good that I am willing to go anywhere God sends me, but I need to know God's love for me.
Recently, and even more so after coming back from this camp, is my desire to grow deep in Christ.
And in order to do so I guess I need a lot of disciplin and spending lots of time with God.
God,
Even as I desire to grow deep in You, please lead me and guide me.
Help me to be disciplin in reading Your Word and spending more time with You.
Give me wisdom and a discerning heart so that I'll be able to understand your guidance better.
In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Sabah Mission Trip
Arrive back from SIBKL Sabah Mission Trip last night.
Though the whole trip was only 5 days from 3-7 September, it felt longer than that.
We started preparing for this trip since more than 1 month ago, meeting every Thursday night to meet, prepare, pratice, pray, share etc. I guess it must have been quite taxing for many people as everyone in the team are working and our practice always finish after 11pm. But I really think that it was worth it.
The main focus of our trip was in Kg. Meligan, situated 5 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu. This is the village where they had a revival back in 1977 but today the spiritual health of the place is not that good, especially among the young ones who didn't experience the revival. Thus one of our major focus was to see revival among the younger generation.
On the first day when we arrived at Kg. Meligan, we were well greeted with great food and a lot of performance. However we all felt the lack of true joy even in their worship. Like what our pastor said, it was singing for the sack of singing, putting on a show for men rather than truely focusing and worshipping God.
However at the end of the 1st night when an altar call was given, we were touched to see quite a number of people coming up to be prayed for. We were informed that this things doesn't happen often and especially not with those youths.
The 2nd day we had a dialogue session with the youths and it was a time where we got to know them better. Our purpose was to understand their situation in order to better prepare the upcoming mission teams that will be going there. I was facillitating the questionaire and had the opportunity to talk to a few of the youths. I was encouraged to see that a lot of them took the questionaire seriously and began to think and reflect on their relationship with God.
The biggest joy we had was probably on the last day. On Sunday we led the worship and followed by sharing of the word by Ps. Lee Choo. While most of us didn't know that, she told us later that she felt the Holy Spirit leading and she changed the whole message right that morning. The message was about coming back to our first love for Christ. During the altar call after the message, many people were moved and nearly all of them came up to the front, from the grandparents to the youths. Everyone were moved and touched by the Holy Spirit and many began to wept and cry. Our whole team went up to pray for them, some of us even prayed together with them in BM.
After the altar call, there was a man who said he had something to share. And little did we know that this man was once the elder of the church but he left his family 10 years ago and it was by the guidance of the Holy Spirit that he reluctantly came to join the service that morning. But God was working in his life and he began to confess all the wrong things that he had done to his family and asked for forgiveness. It was indeed a time of reconciliation. The whole family of the man came up to the stage and the elders of the churches prayed for the family. We were told that such repentance and reconcilliation was something that has not been seen in the village since the last revival.
Beside the man, 2 other men came up to share, stating how they have turn to charms and everything but that today they have decided to get rid of all the charms.
It was amazing to see with our own eyes the things that we've only read in the books or heard from other people.
There were also many miracles that happened throughout the trip, like how one media team member forgot to bring her SD card but another team member accidentally found out that one of her friends SD card was left in the beg; how a lost handphone was found after 2 days, how the weather was on our side when we had outdoor activities etc.
To God be all the Glory and may we see His name being Lifted up again in the land below the wind.
Though the whole trip was only 5 days from 3-7 September, it felt longer than that.
We started preparing for this trip since more than 1 month ago, meeting every Thursday night to meet, prepare, pratice, pray, share etc. I guess it must have been quite taxing for many people as everyone in the team are working and our practice always finish after 11pm. But I really think that it was worth it.
The main focus of our trip was in Kg. Meligan, situated 5 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu. This is the village where they had a revival back in 1977 but today the spiritual health of the place is not that good, especially among the young ones who didn't experience the revival. Thus one of our major focus was to see revival among the younger generation.
On the first day when we arrived at Kg. Meligan, we were well greeted with great food and a lot of performance. However we all felt the lack of true joy even in their worship. Like what our pastor said, it was singing for the sack of singing, putting on a show for men rather than truely focusing and worshipping God.
However at the end of the 1st night when an altar call was given, we were touched to see quite a number of people coming up to be prayed for. We were informed that this things doesn't happen often and especially not with those youths.
The 2nd day we had a dialogue session with the youths and it was a time where we got to know them better. Our purpose was to understand their situation in order to better prepare the upcoming mission teams that will be going there. I was facillitating the questionaire and had the opportunity to talk to a few of the youths. I was encouraged to see that a lot of them took the questionaire seriously and began to think and reflect on their relationship with God.
The biggest joy we had was probably on the last day. On Sunday we led the worship and followed by sharing of the word by Ps. Lee Choo. While most of us didn't know that, she told us later that she felt the Holy Spirit leading and she changed the whole message right that morning. The message was about coming back to our first love for Christ. During the altar call after the message, many people were moved and nearly all of them came up to the front, from the grandparents to the youths. Everyone were moved and touched by the Holy Spirit and many began to wept and cry. Our whole team went up to pray for them, some of us even prayed together with them in BM.
After the altar call, there was a man who said he had something to share. And little did we know that this man was once the elder of the church but he left his family 10 years ago and it was by the guidance of the Holy Spirit that he reluctantly came to join the service that morning. But God was working in his life and he began to confess all the wrong things that he had done to his family and asked for forgiveness. It was indeed a time of reconciliation. The whole family of the man came up to the stage and the elders of the churches prayed for the family. We were told that such repentance and reconcilliation was something that has not been seen in the village since the last revival.
Beside the man, 2 other men came up to share, stating how they have turn to charms and everything but that today they have decided to get rid of all the charms.
It was amazing to see with our own eyes the things that we've only read in the books or heard from other people.
There were also many miracles that happened throughout the trip, like how one media team member forgot to bring her SD card but another team member accidentally found out that one of her friends SD card was left in the beg; how a lost handphone was found after 2 days, how the weather was on our side when we had outdoor activities etc.
To God be all the Glory and may we see His name being Lifted up again in the land below the wind.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Merdeka Overnight Prayer Meeting
Attended the Merdeka Overnight Prayer Meeting in SIBKL last night.
It was awesome.
The meeting lasted from 1030pm to 6am.
It was a wonderful time of prayer and seeking the Lord, listening and discerning the Father's heart beat for the nation. Confessing our sins and rededicating of our lifes to God.
I was glad to see many young people coming for the prayer meeting and to see God moving the hearts of the people to seek Him listen to Him. We had worship session led by Couz, Narrowstreet and Kidzone.
Focusing on the needs of the nation, the will of God and on the bigger picture makes the sacrifice of time, money and position seem doable.
During the prayer meeting, I was reminded of Pastor Kim Joon Gon. He is the founder of Korea Campus Crusade for Christ. However, before he founded KCCC, there were once he visited Dr. Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ in the States. One morning, Dr. Bill Bright prepared breakfast for Ps. Kim but Ps. Kim stared at the food and appeared a bit nervous. He told Dr. Bill Bright that he has been fasting breakfast and will continue to do so until KCCC is established.
Thinking of the event, I was wondering if I should put it as a bargaining tool before God. I was also reminded of Esther's words, "If I die, I die."
I want to see God's name lifted in Malaysia. I want to see a revival coming among our neighbours and if I really am serious about it, why not take the stand that Ps. Kim did, commit to fasting of breakfast and praying till I see God moving in this land.
It was awesome.
The meeting lasted from 1030pm to 6am.
It was a wonderful time of prayer and seeking the Lord, listening and discerning the Father's heart beat for the nation. Confessing our sins and rededicating of our lifes to God.
I was glad to see many young people coming for the prayer meeting and to see God moving the hearts of the people to seek Him listen to Him. We had worship session led by Couz, Narrowstreet and Kidzone.
Focusing on the needs of the nation, the will of God and on the bigger picture makes the sacrifice of time, money and position seem doable.
During the prayer meeting, I was reminded of Pastor Kim Joon Gon. He is the founder of Korea Campus Crusade for Christ. However, before he founded KCCC, there were once he visited Dr. Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ in the States. One morning, Dr. Bill Bright prepared breakfast for Ps. Kim but Ps. Kim stared at the food and appeared a bit nervous. He told Dr. Bill Bright that he has been fasting breakfast and will continue to do so until KCCC is established.
Thinking of the event, I was wondering if I should put it as a bargaining tool before God. I was also reminded of Esther's words, "If I die, I die."
I want to see God's name lifted in Malaysia. I want to see a revival coming among our neighbours and if I really am serious about it, why not take the stand that Ps. Kim did, commit to fasting of breakfast and praying till I see God moving in this land.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Pegawai Tadbir dan Diplomat
Lately I've been hearing news of my seniors trying to get rid of their PTD's job by trying to secure a job in a Korean company or further their studies in local university.
I was neutrally waiting to see whether the government will call me back to work for them. But after seeing how they can't even stand it for 6 months I begin to have doubt as well.
One senior said that most of the times he had to work till 6,7 or 8pm. Another said that it's boring. They say that it varies according to the department that you're in.
The senior that came to my company said that he couldn't see any future working there. The pay is low and a promotion is not within sight. They have 2 years contract with JPA before becoming permanent staff and even after that they don't know when they'll get promoted. The annual increment is just RM 85 a year!
I began to feel a bit depressed. Wondering how will I cope with in. I want to settle down fast and have my own family. But earning so little I wonder whether I can even support myself let alone a family.
I guess I tried to run away from reality by taking long naps in the afternoon during the weekend. Didn't want to think much about it.
Talked to a friend about it. Guess this is where practical issues clash with faith.
I'll still follow and obey if God calls me to, but I'd like to serve Him with a joy and a cheerful heart.
2 Corinthians 6: 1-10
1As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you."I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
3We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."
I was neutrally waiting to see whether the government will call me back to work for them. But after seeing how they can't even stand it for 6 months I begin to have doubt as well.
One senior said that most of the times he had to work till 6,7 or 8pm. Another said that it's boring. They say that it varies according to the department that you're in.
The senior that came to my company said that he couldn't see any future working there. The pay is low and a promotion is not within sight. They have 2 years contract with JPA before becoming permanent staff and even after that they don't know when they'll get promoted. The annual increment is just RM 85 a year!
I began to feel a bit depressed. Wondering how will I cope with in. I want to settle down fast and have my own family. But earning so little I wonder whether I can even support myself let alone a family.
I guess I tried to run away from reality by taking long naps in the afternoon during the weekend. Didn't want to think much about it.
Talked to a friend about it. Guess this is where practical issues clash with faith.
I'll still follow and obey if God calls me to, but I'd like to serve Him with a joy and a cheerful heart.
2 Corinthians 6: 1-10
1As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you."I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.
3We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Past 6 months
Reflecting back on the past 6 months there have been indeed ups and downs in my life.
When I first came back to Malaysia and still working with the Korean company I was hoping that the business will be successful (though in my heart I feel that God might have a different plan..) and though I really felt that God wants me to be here in Malaysia for the time being I was silently hoping that He’ll send me back to Korea.
But within 2 months everything went wrong and during that 2 months I think I was on an emotional roller coaster and probably some of my closer friends have heard me sighing and grumbling that I don’t know what God wants with me.
During that period honestly I was not very pleased with God but nonetheless looking back I still have to say that He’s been faithful. Of the few things which He did and I’m grateful for is bringing me to my current Cell.
I still remember the first few weeks when few of my cell mates shared their experience and journey of how God brought them to where they are now. I was also surprised and encouraged when I first attended the Tuesday prayer meeting to see a few of them there as well. Because usually when I go for prayer meetings I’m the only young or youngest person there.
I notice that there are not many YA cell people there and is it by coincident He put me in Friends 2 where few of my cell mates actually set apart their time to seek Him in corporate prayer gathering? Hmm..
Also since I set foot in SIBKL I have been thinking of going to Saturday prayer meeting but has not managed to do so till my cell mates invited and encouraged me to go.
I’m blessed to be surrounded by brother and sisters like them when I need it the most. Thanks.
When I first came back to Malaysia and still working with the Korean company I was hoping that the business will be successful (though in my heart I feel that God might have a different plan..) and though I really felt that God wants me to be here in Malaysia for the time being I was silently hoping that He’ll send me back to Korea.
But within 2 months everything went wrong and during that 2 months I think I was on an emotional roller coaster and probably some of my closer friends have heard me sighing and grumbling that I don’t know what God wants with me.
During that period honestly I was not very pleased with God but nonetheless looking back I still have to say that He’s been faithful. Of the few things which He did and I’m grateful for is bringing me to my current Cell.
I still remember the first few weeks when few of my cell mates shared their experience and journey of how God brought them to where they are now. I was also surprised and encouraged when I first attended the Tuesday prayer meeting to see a few of them there as well. Because usually when I go for prayer meetings I’m the only young or youngest person there.
I notice that there are not many YA cell people there and is it by coincident He put me in Friends 2 where few of my cell mates actually set apart their time to seek Him in corporate prayer gathering? Hmm..
Also since I set foot in SIBKL I have been thinking of going to Saturday prayer meeting but has not managed to do so till my cell mates invited and encouraged me to go.
I’m blessed to be surrounded by brother and sisters like them when I need it the most. Thanks.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Isaiah 51: 11-16
11 The ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
12 "I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Who are you that you fear mortal men,
the sons of men, who are but grass,
13 that you forget the LORD your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth,
that you live in constant terror every day
because of the wrath of the oppressor,
who is bent on destruction?
For where is the wrath of the oppressor?
14 The cowering prisoners will soon be set free;
they will not die in their dungeon,
nor will they lack bread.
15 For I am the LORD your God,
who churns up the sea so that its waves roar—
the LORD Almighty is his name.
16 I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you with the shadow of my hand—
I who set the heavens in place,
who laid the foundations of the earth,
and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.' "
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
12 "I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Who are you that you fear mortal men,
the sons of men, who are but grass,
13 that you forget the LORD your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth,
that you live in constant terror every day
because of the wrath of the oppressor,
who is bent on destruction?
For where is the wrath of the oppressor?
14 The cowering prisoners will soon be set free;
they will not die in their dungeon,
nor will they lack bread.
15 For I am the LORD your God,
who churns up the sea so that its waves roar—
the LORD Almighty is his name.
16 I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you with the shadow of my hand—
I who set the heavens in place,
who laid the foundations of the earth,
and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.' "
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Emotional Attachment
Came home about 4pm.
Woke up at 430am to see my brother off to the airport and went back to sleep.
Went to church at 920am for the pre-service prayer meeting.
Went to 11am service.
Went for lunch around 130pm.
I think it must have been more than a month since I last came home so early on Sunday.
But the feeling I had after reaching home..the same feeling that I had many times after coming back from church even when I was still in Korea...I don't know how to describe it.
It's a big contrast to the super high feeling I have during service and while I'm with my church friends.
When I reached home I feel a bit down...don't know why.
The more I mix and mingle with my Cell friends the more I like them and the more I want to be here. Yet the more emotionally attached to this place I become the harder it will be for me to leave...
Leaving Korea wasn't that difficult to some certain extent because I thought I'd be back very soon...
Hmm...probably I was tricked by God...or probably He just wanted me to say good bye easier...
7 more months...
Woke up at 430am to see my brother off to the airport and went back to sleep.
Went to church at 920am for the pre-service prayer meeting.
Went to 11am service.
Went for lunch around 130pm.
I think it must have been more than a month since I last came home so early on Sunday.
But the feeling I had after reaching home..the same feeling that I had many times after coming back from church even when I was still in Korea...I don't know how to describe it.
It's a big contrast to the super high feeling I have during service and while I'm with my church friends.
When I reached home I feel a bit down...don't know why.
The more I mix and mingle with my Cell friends the more I like them and the more I want to be here. Yet the more emotionally attached to this place I become the harder it will be for me to leave...
Leaving Korea wasn't that difficult to some certain extent because I thought I'd be back very soon...
Hmm...probably I was tricked by God...or probably He just wanted me to say good bye easier...
7 more months...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Ice Breaker
In charge of Ice Breaker this week for cell.
Most of what I can think of are the games we played during our drinking and party sessions in Korea
Halelluyah
Mouse Catch
Run Horse
I am Grounded
Strawberry
But not sure whether it is suitable for cell environment and Malaysian culture. After all, these games aren't interesting without any penalty..^^
Most of what I can think of are the games we played during our drinking and party sessions in Korea
Halelluyah
Mouse Catch
Run Horse
I am Grounded
Strawberry
But not sure whether it is suitable for cell environment and Malaysian culture. After all, these games aren't interesting without any penalty..^^
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