~~The work of potter's hands~~

In the hand of the Potter, all the natural creation exhibit its supernatural beauty. It reminds me of some of the paradox that spread throughout the Bible. May it bless you the same way it does to me. =)

Matthew 5
The Beatitudes 1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

2and he began to teach them saying:

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 19:30

30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Matthew 23:12
12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Proverbs 13:7

7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

Ecclesiastes 5:10
10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.

~~Sacrifice of praise~~

Bible and worshipping songs mention a lot of sacrifice, be it in term of offering of animal, plant, human life or some material possession to the Lord. Likewise, praise is also mentioned throughout the scriptures, be it praises to men or the Lord. Little do I give much thought to the combination of these two words - sacrifice of praise. I never expect give praise to the Lord is also considered a form of sacrifice. The two bible references below shed some light on the significant of giving praise to the Lord. (Father, I pray that You in Your gracious mercy will reveal the real meaning of these phrase to us as we explore and mediate on the verses below. Help us oh Lord, help us to have the full grasp of its meaning and in turn praise You all the more knowing what it means and how much it means to You. Father, I hereby present to You our sacrifice of praise.)

Psalm 54:6
6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good.

Every sacrifice made should stem from pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith. It is freewill offering from us to the Lord to praise Him solely for who He is and what He had done for us. His sacrifice on the Calvary alone is sufficient, perfect and complete to redeem all our transgressions and sins. Because He is righteous, we righteous; because He is holy, we are holy; because He is blameless, we are blameless. Wouldn't this reason more than enough for us to rejoice, give thanks and offer our praises to Him?

Hebrews 13:15
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—
the fruit of lips that confess his name.

Even when I feel like my world is shaking, I will give praise.
Even when thing does not go according to my way, I will give praise.
Even when reality is the exact opposite of what I want, I will give praise.
Even when I feel like my heart is breaking, I will give praise.
Even when I was persecuted, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my beloved one, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my means of living, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my health, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my courage to live, I will give praise.
Even when I can never bear a child, I will give praise.
Even when I will remain single, I will give praise.
Even when I was disfigured, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my sight, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my voice, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my legs and hands, I will give praise.
Even when I was born with disability, I will give praise.
Even when I was tempted and tortured beyond what I can bear, I will give praise.
Even when I was to live in exile, I will give praise.
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Even when it costs my life, I will give praise.

(Philippians 3:8 I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Father, I pray that You will grant me the same measure of confident and love that You have lavished in Paul's life. May You will be done today and tomorrow)

It reflects the state of our hearts that lean fully on Him and Him alone. Regardless of the circumstances, we continue to place our full trust in Him - knowing that He is always in charge. In other words, when life has a head-on collision with life storms we continue to give Him praise. We refuse to constraint our praises to God in good times but in bad times we continue to praise Him all the more. We continue to guard our minds, protect our souls and watch over our bodies with the serenity from God. We choose to humble ourselves and exalt our mighty God for His sovereignty in our lives. It is a delibrate and conscious decision that we make in hearts no matter what happens now and tomorrow. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we refuse even the slightest hint of bitterness from taking root, we reject disappointment from flourishing in heart and we do not allow heart breaking from mushrooming all over our thinking. We acknowledge the fact that God gives and God takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Whispering to Abba, Father:

Lord, I know it is easier said than done to praise You especially in bad season of life. Though my body is weak and broken, it is my desire to continue offer my sacrifice of praise to You all of my days. I pray that God will continue grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Help me to see above and beyond the cruel reality of life and ground firmly in Your living words. Help me to fix Your words in my heart and mind; tie them as symbols on my hands and bind them on my forehead. Help me to fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Father, I pray that You continue grant me the peace of mind knowing that I am fixing my eyes on Jesus, the rock, the strong refuge, the author and perfecter of our faith. Amen

~~My Little Dream Place~~

Visited one of the trinity colleges recently. =) Not too sure which is the right place for me. Simply go to satisfy my curiosity ^.^

Oh Lord, listen to Your child's prayer: If You are willing, do reserve a place for me in the college. May You go before me to prepare the way. May this little dream of mine come to pass in due time. I surrender this burning request in Your mighty hand. Keep this longing aflame till I set my foot there. I finally learn that it is not so much of receiving formal education to equip me to be a Shepherd but what is more important is learn about Your way and Your truth. I long to walk closely and intimately with You, by You and beside You. Help me to grasp how wide, how deep and how high Your love is for us. Oh Lord, mould me to be one of the few workers that work on the plentiful harvest in Your field. Amen.

Proverbs 13:12

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:19a

A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul

~~Breakthrough~~

Lately I am pretty engaged in the book title "The 21st Century Pastor" by David Fisher.

I particularly like his style of writing. He is sympathetic and tender like a mother on one hand while firm and uncompromised like a father on the other hand. He explains the roller coaster journey of pastorial as a combination of excruciating pain and soaring joy. Though I am not in the ministry yet, at times I just can't help but feel pretty much at the bottom of the pit and sometimes I am overwhelmed with the moutain-top feeling where nothing matters except Jesus Christ.

He points out a very important fact which I have been struggled for quite a while. How prepare are you to be a shepherd? Frankly speaking, most of the times I feel inadequate, imcompetent, imperfect and somehow confused for the call. Who am I that You are so mindful of? I just came to know Christ 4-5 years ago, I finished reading the whole bible only once, I am chinese educated, I can't speak fluent English, I tend to eat too much, I have sweet tooth, I do not have much discipline in studying and meditating on Your words, I do not have much patient, I experience mood swings like any other girls... the list can go on and on....

"The very point of our human weakness was precisely the place of God's power and grace!" What an astonishing statement he had make. When we are empowered to accomplish the humanly speaking impossible task, all the glory, honor, credit and praise go to Him. It leaves no room for us to boast and brag. In our humanity, we tend to puff up with pride when God in His grace chose to perform miracles through us. Who can withstand excessive praises from men without feeling flattering? Who can remain humble all the times? Who can resist the splendor in this passing world without second thought? Who can abstain entirely from the lust of the world? Who can act perfectly all the times? Who can life entirely for Jesus Christ? Who can claim he/she loves Jesus with all his/her heart, mind and soul all the times? Who can love his/her neighbour all the times? Though we are called to spread His words, we are admit it or not just as human and sinful as the people we serve. Jesus knows we will fail in one way or another, that is why He crowned us with the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us. It is by grace and empowerment of the Holy Spirit we are able to breakthrough our old self to serve Him and His people whole-heartedly. Holy Spirit, what a wonderful gift that God had given us to stir up the inward transformation which in turn ignite the outward demonstration of God's love to the world.

Whispering to Abba Father:

Father, help me to see above and beyond all the gigantic intimidation factors that coming like roaring thunders every now and then. Help me to fix my eyes on You and You alone. Many things in the world I might not know and do not need to know, I just need to remember You love me and lay down Your life for me. Help me to guard our very first love with all my might, my strength, my heart and my soul. Walk me through every chapter of life with the confidence and power born of deep and humble dependence on You. Give me a pure and humble heart all the times. Though we are inadequate, thank you for working through our feeble efforts anyway. Help me to understand and etch deeply in my heart the very fact that our work, whether large or small, bears the eternal weight of glory. If our labors produce but one transformed life, it is more than worth the struggle, and heaven sings. Father, pardon my stubborn and slowness in learning Your truth and wisdom. I am sorry for the time when my knowledge puffs up and inflate with pride. I am sorry for the time when anger seems to overtake my calm. I am sorry for searching aimlessly instead of wait upon You under Your feet. I am sorry for the time when I chose to mute my ears to Your Word, blind my eyes to Your glory but speak like a fool. Father, I pray that Your word continue like the lamp to my feet and light for my path, just enough to illuminate the next step in life. Whether You chose to reveal a glimpse of Your glory to me or not, it does not change the fact that You love me. Amen!

John 14:25-27
25"All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

~~Genesis~~

When you slow down the pace of your life, spend a minute or two to breath life into your day, pause to enjoy the scenery around you, spend couple of seconds to just praise and adore God for who He is, He will lay bare His beautiful and precious creation in front of you.

Today I went to work as usual. The only different is I chose to wake up earlier and take my time to work. Since I was not in the hurry, it allowed me to spend some time enjoying the natural creation that greets me daily. Jeremiah 29:13- You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Indeed, Father opened up my eyes once again. I saw tones of snails that crawling freely on the refreshed grass that washed clean by the morning rain. I never expect to see so many snails or all the while I am not paying attention to it. It reminds me of how creative our might God is. Everything is lay nicely and orderly in heaven and in earth. No one creation is left unfed (unless we give up such a privilege and choose not to work for living). Above and beyond, He shelters us from danger, clothes us with outpouring grace, dresses us with overflowing blessings, blankets us with mercy and covers us with care. It reminds me of the book of Genesis and fills me with awe and admiration. There is no such perfect coordination, wonderful arrangement and flawless order on the earth unless it is from the God. Have you ever spare some thoughts on all the natural yet supernatural occurence around you?

birds are equipped with wings to fly in the sky;

fish are crowned with gills to breath under water;

ants are furnished with antenna to discern direction;

bees have long proboscis (a complex "tongue") that enables them to obtain the nectar from flowers;

iguana have the ability to disguise themself when threaten;

elephant's gestation period is 22 months, the longest of any land animal;

just to name few...the list goes on and on...

Do you realized that how detailed and tedious our great God is when He creates all the living and non living? All are honored with not one but bundle of gifts to function and live well. Each thing created is not without its purpose and plan. In order to function well, we have to use and refine every single gift that innate in us. It should be even more so when it comes to spiritual gifts. Yield to Paul's instruction - eagerly desire the greater gifts. (Oh Lord, allow me to be "greedy" when come to acquire the fruit of the Spirit. Let love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faihfulness, gentleness and self-control deeply locked in the inner part of my heart. Amen.)

Whispering to Abba Father:

Oh Lord, hide Your peace and calmness in me. Help me to be still though things are revolving fast surround me. Help me to be at rest in face of stormy days. Help me to subdue all the persecutions. Help me to acknowledge and know that You are God who hold the whole universe in Your palm. You are the one and only God that has the power to heal the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. You are mighty God that determines the number of stars and calls them each by name. Your are the most talented landscaper that covers the sky with clouds, supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. You are the supreme provider that provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. You spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. Great is our Lord and mighty in power, Your understanding has no limit. Thank you oh Lord for such an out of the world creation. We praise You for Your surpassing greatness. We love and adore You.

~~The Parable of the Sower~~

I was telling or to be exact "complaining" to Pastor Chad how exhausted, tired and dry my spiritual life lately. I tried to explain to him how all the external factors such as the pace of life, the way of living, how occupy life can be in the city etc can choke one's spiritual life. Towards the end of the conversation, I started to realize how much I am still leading "US" lifestyle . (with or without knowledge). No doubt, I am here physically yet I am not here spiritually. Too much changes had been taking place lately.

Pastor patiently explained to me what are the challenges awaits life at the rural areas. Indeed, there are thousands and one factors that threaten the existence and advancement of the gospel. The circumstances at different part of the world might be different but the truth holds forever. It is always a good practice to take time off, pause for a while and take inventory of the position of our hearts at different seasons of life. Thank You for once again remind me of Your victory two thousands year ago. The very fact that you died and rose on the 3rd day speaks loudly of Your landslide victory. Thank You oh Lord for such a victory and thank You for crushing Satan on Your feet!

Just some paradox of life that worth ponder over and over again --- courtesy of George Carlin

we have
a) taller buildings but shorter tempers,
b) wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints.

We
a) spend more, but have less,
b) buy more, but enjoy less.
c) have bigger houses and smaller families,
d) more conveniences, but less time.
e) have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
f) have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
g) have learned how to make a living, but not a life.
h) have added years to life not life to years.
i) have been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.

Remember:
a) spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
b) say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
c) to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
d) to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. An embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
e) to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
f) Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

(Father, forgive me for allowing all the cares of lives to choke my spiritual life. Thank You for continue holding me tightly in Your palm. Thank You for carrying me when I don't feel like walking anymore. Thank You for remain the same - today, yesterday and tomorrow. Thank You for who You are. Thank You for what You had done on the Calvary. Thank You for reveal Yourself to me. Thank You for loving me no matter who I am and what I have done. You alone worth all our praises and worship. I pray that You will go ahead of us, prepare the field and make the path of salvation straight. I pray that no matter what kind of ground we are in, help us oh Lord help us to continue rooted deeply in You. Have mercy on us oh Lord for ultimately You are the only one that holds the growing power. May You send forth helpers and advisors along the way to help while You make things grow. I pray that whoever that has breath will come to know and accept You as their personal saviors. I ask this in Your strong name, Amen.)


Luke 8:4-15

4While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable:
5"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up.
6Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.
8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
9His disciples asked him what this parable meant.
10He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, " 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'
11"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.
12Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.
13Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.
14The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
15But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Whispering to Abba, Father:
Oh Lord Father, thank you for breathing in deeper and wider meaning to Your word. Thank You for revealing greater meaning in the Scripture. Thank You for such a great Word. Father, I pray that You continue grant me sensitive and tender heart to listen to You voice, Your purpose and Your plan. Help me oh Lord, help me to clear away all the clutters and blockages in my life. Cleanse me, my heart will be clean; purify me, and my heart will be pure. Refine, restore, refresh and replenish me today oh Lord. Help me to keep in step with You. Give me sufficient grace and mercy to lead each passing days. I love You and depend heavily on You, my dear heavenly Father.

~~Wise word from the Lord 难以忘怀的话语~~

PS: Chinese translation will come in later...sorry!!~~

These are just few examples that worth slowing down to digest, absorp and apply in our daily lives. God is an awesome God indeed, His wisdom transcends all understanding and pierces directly into the innest most of one's heart. Do not withold Your wisdom, oh my Lord, may You continue to nurture my heart with such indescrible beauty of wisdom. Amen =)

1) One of the heart-warming gifts for discipleship is when the person that you used to pray for he/she, thank to God's grace and mercy start to pray for you in return. Believe it or not, those might be the moment when you need such prayer the most ^.^ Quote from Mr. Ong, inherited from Li Fang to me: We can count the number of seed inside an apple but we won't know how many apple will come from a single seed. So continue to spread the seed of gospel as far as you can for God honors such an act and in due time will multiply your seed by hundreds and thousands times. --- courtesy from Li Fang

2) God grins from ear to ear when we make it a point to have quiet and solitary walk with Him daily (ideally) or as often as we can for He longs to have intimate conversation with His offsprings. More often than not, it is during those times when our hearts desire Him and to be with Him, His voice will be exceptionally loud and etch in our heart. If you can't hear God's voice at the first or second walk, it does not mean that God stops dwell in us. Just that we are slow to quiet down our hearts and taking our own sweet time to remove clutters that hinder spiritual growth. With or without knowledge, we choose to take the winding road instead of the straight path that God has prepared in advance for us. Learn from Mary, always as obedient as a kid when it comes to listen to God's word. In exchange of the thousands good deeds that we deemed to be try to do only one thing - listen intently to what God try to tell you, be at the feet of Jesus all the times. (c. f. Luke 10:38-42)

A good example and motivation for those who take the first leap of faith:

A little girl desires to spend some quality time with the Lord. She took time off from her busy schedule and hoped to have an intimate walk with the Father at Botanical Garden (which located at least an hour away from her house. She took all the trouble and time to get there early in the morning). It was breezy morning and sky was navy blue - a perfect weather for a walk. Once she reached the destination, rain drop started to fall. People were rushing and running looking for shelter. Such an intermittent rain smoothered the step of faith no matter how strong your faith might be I guess. Like others, this little girl searched her bag and pulled out the umbrella with great dismay. She murmured unceasingly (it is funny when it comes to complaint, we always do it unceasingly but when it comes to praising the God, who can do it consistently?) to His Father, asking the Lord why He allows such a rain to come?

The Lord speaks," my dear, are you willing to walk with me through shine or rain?"

What a soul searching question! The little girl can only bow and knock her head in full submission.

The rain only lasted for few minutes. It did not really wet the place thoroughly but refreshed the dating venue between them. The rain served as a natural air conditioner to cool down and prepare a more comfortable environment for those at the outdoor. Efford put in God will never go in vain indeed =)

Think the question is not that God stops speak to us but how prepare and receptive our hearts to listen to His voice? -- courtesy from Li Fang

3) I received a call from Helen asking me out for dinner. The call came in few seconds afer I stepped into my apartment from gym. She said if I am alright with the arrangement, they (Kent and Helen) will come and pick me up in 30 mins time. I was still puffing away with filthy clothes and smelly sweat. I seriously doubt that I will be ready in 30 mins! Though I really love to spend time with them but in view of my shabby look, I politely turned down their offer (I am heavily influenced by Asian culture, never attend an invitation unprepared! =D ) Honestly, I am not good in rejecting invitation. After explained my condition, little do I expect such a short and sweet rhetorical question from Helen.

Helen said," does that matter?"

Well, come to think of it that really does not matter at all. What matters most is who you are spending time with. The same is our standing in front of God. God never take into account our look, status, clothes and other external appearances. It is the position of our hearts that matters more to Him. --- courtesy from Helen

4) There was this county that suffered from prolong drought for quite some times. The scorching heat had threatened the livelihood of the villager yet no one had any solution in mind in face of such natural disaster. Some religious parties decided to have a ritual to ask for rain from heaven. Everyone from the village was asked to gather at the assembly place at the afternoon. Everyone came with great expectancy since there seem to be no other way out of such predicament. When it was time to start the ceremony, the priest had a long pause and his view stagnant at the very far end. There was this little girl who attended the ceremony with a red umbrella holding tightly in her hand! Indeed, it was a scene that worth framing in mind! Such a beautiful child-like faith, isn't? (Father, forgive me for not being able to trust you all the times, forgive me whenever I try to use my own rational/knowledge to box your unlimited limit. Father, may You continue to preserve our first love. I long to be continued to be Your little innocent daughter that trust and believe all things that You have in stored for me. It is my desire to trust You with all my heart, my mind and my soul. I just want to love You more with each passing day, show me oh Lord, show me how to love You more... No matter what is ahead of me, I wish to say this over and over again...I love You, Abba Father. Amen)